What Is Apple Carplay BMW?

The best way to link your new BMW to your Apple iPhone is through Apple CarPlay, which is available on all BMW models with the iDrive 7 system.

Activating Apple CarPlay in my BMW

You can watch this video to discover how to set up and connect Apple CarPlay on your iPhone in a BMW. The BMW X3 utilized in this demonstration has iDrive 7, therefore if you have an older or newer iDrive system, the process may be different. In order to use the advanced phone integration features of CarPlay, an Apple Lightning connector is no longer necessary, setting BMW ahead of the competition in 2916. On the touchscreen of your BMW, the Apple CarPlay interface replicates the appearance and functionality of your phone. The pages in the CarPlay user interface are identical to those on your iPhone’s display. However, there is one restriction: BMW Apps and Apple CarPlay cannot function simultaneously. Additionally, only one device may support both Apple CarPlay and the Wi-Fi hotspot offered by BMW.

BMW Navigation system and iDrive 5 or newer are required for Apple CarPlay. Additionally, an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 9.3 or higher is required. In addition, your iPhone must have Siri, WiFi, and Bluetooth turned on, as well as an active data plan. CarPlay integrates phone, navigation, entertainment, and vehicle control and information capabilities onto the central touchscreen of the BMW iDrive infotainment system.

The following are the general steps for setting up Apple CarPlay in your BMW:

• 1. Your iPhone must have Bluetooth switched ON.
• 2. Press or select COM – Mobile Devices – New Device – Phone calls and audio from the iDrive 7 menu.
• 3. Choose the BMW entry from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone. Soon the pairing will start, and it can take a few seconds.
• 4. Verify that the PINs displayed on the iPhone and iDrive 7 are identical, then choose YES.

BMW Ships New Vehicles Without Apple CarPlay for the Time Being

Due to the carmaker switching its chip supplier, BMW is temporarily shipping new vehicles without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability (via Automotive News Europe).

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require updated software to function on the new CPUs found in many BMWs produced this year. Dealerships are advising BMW customers who purchase a new vehicle without CarPlay to wait for an over-the-air upgrade that will add the feature “by the end of June at the latest.”

It’s unclear how many BMW models are impacted, but a lot of consumers in the UK, France, Italy, and the US have complained online about receiving new cars without CarPlay. Models that are affected have the specification code “6P1” in them.

While some BMW owners may have to temporarily do without CarPlay capability, BMW is moving chip suppliers to enhance its supply chain over the long run, which could help to alleviate component shortages in the second half of the year.

With support for Digital Key, Ultra Wideband Digital Key Plus, and a feature-rich dual-screen wireless CarPlay experience, BMW provides one of the most integrated experiences with Apple’s ecosystem. BMW only began providing CarPlay in 2016 and faced criticism for charging a $80 yearly subscription charge before canceling the subscription in response to the backlash.

IDrive 5 is necessary for Apple CarPlay.

On my BMW, how do I utilize Apple CarPlay?

Choose your BMW from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone. Your iDrive 7 screen will validate the pairing request as the two start to pair. Verify the PIN is the same on your iPhone and iDrive 7 screens, then select Yes. On your iDrive 7 screen, select the option to connect to Apple CarPlay.

BMW CarPlay is it free?

Although the German automaker BMW was an early adopter of Apple CarPlay wirelessly, it charged for the service, ranging from a $300 one-time cost to a yearly $80 price. Now that it’s free, all 2021 BMW models even have the integration of the car keys, which is a significant plus. And for all those older BMWs, upgrading a CarPlay compatible head unit is possible, albeit with some extra work and expense.

Can I add Apple CarPlay to my BMW?

With firmware beginning with iOS 7.1, Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation is available for all iPhone devices starting with the 5. You must have the optional additional ConnectedDrive Services, which include BMW apps, in order to utilize Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation in a BMW vehicle (6AK). Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.

How can I tell if the BMW I own has CarPlay?

Among the most popular vehicles on the road today, BMWs are prized for their cutting-edge technology.

Apple CarPlay is one of such features. With it, you may use the BMW’s dashboard screen to access the apps on your iPhone.

Several inquiries about this function will be addressed in this article, along with information on its availability across the whole BMW lineup.

BMWs with iDrive 5 or later equipped have Apple CarPlay available. Since 2019, BMW has offered this as a free upgrade on newer vehicles equipped with iDrive 7.

One feature that many potential BMW owners find to be quite appealing is Apple CarPlay.

Continue reading to find out which BMWs support Apple CarPlay and how to add it to a BMW that doesn’t currently have it.

What can you do with Apple CarPlay?

A more intelligent and secure method of using your iPhone while driving is CarPlay. You can listen to your preferred music, make calls, send and receive messages, and obtain directions. All on the dashboard display of your car. Additionally, CarPlay now offers additional app categories and personalized dashboard wallpapers.

Can Apple CarPlay be used to start a car?

Start, lock, and unlock your vehicle using proximity Hold your mobile close to the car’s door handle to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may start your car by inserting your iPhone into the key reader or by keeping your Apple Watch close to the reader. Press the car’s start button after that.

What is the cost of adding CarPlay to a BMW?

Because the NBT Evo head unit with ID5 or ID6 software is required, BMW Apple CarPlay compatibility is constrained. In other words, your BMW need the most recent operating system and on-board computer. Even if your car was made in 2016, 2015, or 2014 and has modern technologies, it might only have ID4 hardware or normal NBT, which is outdated head unit hardware.

If your BMW has a head unit that is suitable, BimmerTech can activate the software to make Apple CarPlay available. If your car does not already have a WiFi antenna, you might need to add one in specific circumstances to enable the establishment of a wireless connection between your iPhone and BMW head unit. If your BMW requires one, you may check here and get it from us. Contrary to BMW, BimmerTech can activate BMW CarPlay even if your nation is not listed in Apple CarPlay’s availability list if the necessary hardware is installed in your car.

Regarding the Apple CarPlay subscription, BMW confirmed in December 2019 that owners of 2019/2020 models with the most recent iDrive 7.0 software would not be required to pay any fees. Of course, that only applies to 2018 models of newer autos. A one-time $300 fee will be applied to older BMW models (like an earlier lifetime subscription). However, 2020 and later BMW models are moving forward rather than backward by finally providing free BMW CarPlay.

There are still two options to upgrade your BMW if the initial BMW Apple CarPlay activation is not supported by your car.

How can I get free BMW CarPlay activated?

I’d like to utilize Apple CarPlay in my BMW, but I seem to recall that it used to be somewhat expensive. Is there a way for me to obtain Apple CarPlay on my BMW for nothing?

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Yes! All of Apple CarPlay’s capabilities are available for free on your BMW. BMW will stop charging users a fee to utilize Apple CarPlay as of 2020. The service is easily downloaded and connected to your car without cost.

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Apple CarPlay – is it an app?

There are numerous methods for retrofitting CarPlay into a car, but some of them are trickier than others. The simplest option is to get a standalone display that works with CarPlay and doesn’t need to be retrofitted into your car in any significant way.

It’s important to note that Apple does not offer a specific driving mode on iPhones or a single CarPlay app, in contrast to Android. There is a Driving Focus mode that disables phone distractions while you are driving, but there is no mode that enables you to use a CarPlay-like interface on your phone.

There are gadgets like the Intellidash Plus that allow you to connect in your phone and use CarPlay. Though you’ll need to find a spot to put the screen so it’s both helpful and doesn’t obstruct your view of the road, functionally it’s the same as if you bought a car with CarPlay built-in.

Alternately, you could always replace the factory-installed display/navigation system in your car with an aftermarket device if you’d prefer something a little more streamlined. All you have to do is be prepared to go through the hassle of replacing your old unit with a new one.

Additionally, it depends on your ability to actually improve your car, which isn’t a given. Additionally, keep in mind that many aftermarket devices demand a double DIN slot, although many older vehicles might only have one. There are single-DIN CarPlay units available, however the selection you have is entirely based on your vehicle.

Prices do vary here, but you should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars. While more sophisticated models like the wireless Kenwood Excelon DNX997XR (opens in new tab) and 10.1-inch Pioneer-WT8600NEX (opens in new tab) can cost upwards of $1,500, units like the Pioneer DMH-1500NEX (opens in new tab) cost just under $500.

Of course, installation costs must also be taken into account. Because you should probably leave this type of work in the skilled hands of a professional. Realistically speaking, it might be worthwhile to get a separate display in order to avoid the hassle.