Skip to main content

BMW makes Apple CarPlay free across its entire range of models

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Many criticized BMW’s unusual decision to charge its customers an annual subscription fee to use Apple CarPlay. While some feared this would become the norm across the industry, it’s turning out to be a short-lived exception to the rule. Digital Trends has learned that the German company is making the feature free across its range of models starting immediately.

“BMW is always looking to satisfy our customers’ needs, and this policy change is intended to provide them with a better ownership experience,” a company spokesperson told Digital Trends.

The Munich-based automaker previously charged owners $80 annually to use Apple CarPlay, a policy that raised more than a few eyebrows in the automotive industry. Every other company — including BMW’s archrivals, as well as brands like Hyundai that sell much cheaper models — offers the feature for free, though buyers sometimes have to travel up the trim-level hierarchy to unlock it. By aligning itself with its peers, BMW is admirably giving up a potentially significant source of revenue to put one of the most popular tech features within the reach of all its customers.

Digital Trends learned CarPlay will come standard across the board, from the 2 Series Gran Coupe unveiled recently and positioned at the bottom of the BMW lineup, below the 3 Series, to the 7 Series flagship and its Alpina-built derivative. To sweeten the deal, the company’s newest models boast the wireless version of the software. The spokesperson we talked to added that BMW owners currently paying for a subscription will soon receive free, unlimited access to Apple CarPlay. The brand will contact customers to inform them of its decision.

Toyota’s born-again Supra, which is closely related to the Z4, will continue to come with free CarPlay, a company spokesperson told Digital Trends. This seemingly shoots down previous rumors claiming owners would need to pay for the service after a four-year trial period.

BMW chose to democratize smartphone connectivity, which is an absolute must as 2020 approaches, and its cars are better for it. Motorists with an Android-powered pocket are still out of luck for the time being, however, because the company told us it has nothing to announce regarding Android Auto availability.

Updated 12-4-2019: Added comment from Toyota.

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
The best CarPlay apps
best car apps for the iPhone Carplay press shot

Apple CarPlay overrides your car's native infotainment system and promises to put a familiar, distraction-free interface right at your fingertips. It's also loaded with compatible third-party apps that give your car nearly the same level of functionality as your iPhone or iPad. We've put together a list of the best CarPlay apps available in July 2020.

Further reading

Read more
What is Apple CarPlay?
what is apple carplay 2019 toyota rav4 22 c0a427a8ba2dc4d2a358f1fd4420d76aee8fc907 700x467 c

Cars are no longer bought just for their engines and how many they seat. Now, infotainment demands some room on every car buyer’s agenda. Apple CarPlay supplies users with everything on their phone now at the tips of their fingers in the dash.

With the ability to do everything your phone can, Apple CarPlay allows the driver to safely use apps, call friends and family, and integrate your favorite music, shows, and podcasts into your car. This is just the start of what your car is capable of with Apple CarPlay.

Read more
Apple CarPlay vs. Android Auto
Android Auto in a car.

Apple and Google don't need to build cars -- there are enough local and foreign manufacturers that fill that role well. Instead, these two tech giants are excellent at building ecosystems and designing hardware that fits in your hand. The merging of the two -- your smartphone and your car -- was only inevitable.

Enter Android Auto and CarPlay. These two platforms aim to bring your touchy media, messages, and navigation to tablet-sized screens installed in the latest cars. Both mostly achieve the same purpose in their own unique way. But what makes them different? What makes them similar? Even more, which one is better?

Read more