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No, BMW no longer charges for Apple CarPlay—it’s now included as a standard, complimentary feature on all new BMW models. BMW reversed its controversial subscription policy in December 2019 after significant customer backlash[1]. If you’re buying a new BMW today, Apple CarPlay comes free for the life of the vehicle. The same applies to most used BMWs from 2020 onward, though some 2019 models may still carry legacy restrictions depending on when they were originally sold.
The Controversial $80/Year Subscription (2019)
BMW made headlines in 2019 as the only luxury automaker to charge recurring fees for Apple CarPlay—a feature that competitors like Audi and Mercedes-Benz offered for free[2].
Here’s what BMW originally charged[3]:
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| First year | Free trial |
| Annual subscription | $80/year |
| 3-year package | $255 |
| 20-year/lifetime | $300 |
The move was bizarre considering Honda offered CarPlay as standard on the $17,000 Fit Sport while BMW charged extra on vehicles starting over $34,000[4]. Car and Driver called it “a pretty outrageous ask, especially when many affordable manufacturers offer CarPlay and Android Auto free as standard”[5].
Why BMW Reversed Course
Customer backlash was swift and loud. BMW listened.
In December 2019, BMW of North America announced that Apple CarPlay would be free—no subscription required[1]. The decision came just months after implementing the subscription model, proving that customer feedback actually changed corporate policy.
BMW’s official statement confirmed: “After careful consideration and much thought, BMW of North America has decided to not charge a subscription for Apple CarPlay”[1].
The reversal applied to:
- All new vehicles with iDrive 7.0 or newer
- Existing owners who had paid for subscriptions (refund options were provided)
- Most vehicles that were still within the “free trial” period
For BMW owners at the time, this was welcome news. Anyone who’d been avoiding CarPlay due to the subscription suddenly had access at no cost.
What Years Did BMW Charge for Apple CarPlay?
The subscription only affected a narrow window of vehicles[3]:
| Model Year | CarPlay Status |
|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | $300 one-time activation fee |
| July 2019 – Dec 2019 | $80/year subscription (brief period) |
| Late 2019 onward | Free for life |
| 2020+ | Standard, complimentary |
If you’re shopping for a used BMW, the 2019 model year is the only one where you might encounter legacy subscription issues. Even then, most 2019 vehicles have been updated or grandfathered into the free program[6].
Current Apple CarPlay Status on BMW Vehicles
Today, every new BMW sold in the U.S. includes Apple CarPlay as a complimentary, lifetime feature[6]. No activation fee. No subscription. No expiration.
What’s Included
- Wireless Apple CarPlay (on models with iDrive 7.0 and newer)
- Wired CarPlay via USB on older iDrive systems
- Full integration with BMW’s curved display
- Compatible with BMW Maps, voice control, and steering wheel controls
What You Won’t Get
BMW still doesn’t support Android Auto on most models—a separate frustration for Android users. If your household has both iPhone and Android users, this is worth considering when shopping.
For those exploring Tesla charging compatibility with their BMW EV, note that infotainment features like CarPlay remain separate from charging network access.
How to Activate Apple CarPlay on Your BMW
Setting up CarPlay on a modern BMW takes about two minutes[7]:
Wireless CarPlay (iDrive 7.0+)
- On your iPhone, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Enable Siri (CarPlay requires voice control)
- In your BMW, go to Settings > Mobile Devices
- Select “Add New Device”
- Your iPhone should appear—select it and confirm pairing
- Accept the CarPlay prompt on your iPhone
Once paired, wireless CarPlay connects automatically whenever you enter the vehicle with your iPhone.
Wired CarPlay (Older iDrive)
- Connect your iPhone to the USB port using an Apple Lightning or USB-C cable
- Accept the CarPlay prompt on your phone
- The BMW display will switch to CarPlay interface
Some older BMWs (2016-2018) may require a one-time activation through BMW ConnectedDrive if it wasn’t activated by the original owner.
Used BMW Buyers: What to Know
If you’re buying a used BMW, verify CarPlay status before purchase[6]:
| Model Year | What to Check |
|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | Was CarPlay activated? May need $300 activation if not |
| 2019 | Check if subscription was active or if it’s grandfathered |
| 2020+ | Should be free—verify it works during test drive |
For 2016-2018 models, CarPlay activation requires an iDrive 5.0 or newer system plus the navigation package. Not all configurations support it. Ask the seller to demonstrate CarPlay working before you commit.
Some aftermarket solutions exist for older BMWs without factory CarPlay support. Companies like BimmerTech offer retrofit kits that add the functionality, though these involve additional costs beyond what factory CarPlay would entail.
BMW vs. Competitors: CarPlay Policies
BMW’s reversal brought them in line with competitors[4][5]:
| Brand | Apple CarPlay | Android Auto | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | Yes (wireless) | Limited | Free |
| Mercedes-Benz | Yes (wireless) | Yes | Free |
| Audi | Yes (wireless) | Yes | Free |
| Lexus | Yes (wired) | Yes | Free |
| Porsche | Yes (wireless) | Yes | Free |
| Tesla | No | No | N/A |
BMW remains one of the few luxury brands with limited Android Auto support, though their Apple integration is now on par with competitors.
Key Takeaways
- BMW no longer charges for Apple CarPlay—the controversial $80/year subscription was eliminated in December 2019 after significant customer backlash[1]
- All new BMWs include CarPlay free for life with no activation fees, subscriptions, or expiration dates on models equipped with iDrive[6]
- The subscription only affected a brief window from July 2019 to December 2019, making it relevant mainly to certain 2019 model year vehicles[3]
- Used BMW buyers should verify CarPlay status on 2016-2019 models, as older vehicles may require a $300 activation if it was never enabled[6]
- BMW was the only luxury automaker to attempt subscriptions for CarPlay while competitors like Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche offered it free[4]
- Wireless CarPlay is standard on newer BMWs with iDrive 7.0 or later, allowing automatic connection without cables when you enter the vehicle[7]
FAQs
Is BMW Apple CarPlay free now?
Yes, Apple CarPlay is completely free on all new BMW vehicles[1]. BMW discontinued its controversial $80/year subscription in December 2019 after customer backlash. Today, CarPlay comes standard as a complimentary, lifetime feature on all models equipped with the iDrive system. No activation fees, no recurring charges, no expiration date.
How much did BMW charge for Apple CarPlay?
BMW briefly charged $80 per year for Apple CarPlay on 2019 model year vehicles[3]. Alternative packages included $255 for three years or $300 for a 20-year “lifetime” option. Prior to the subscription model (2016-2018), BMW charged a one-time $300 activation fee. All these fees were eliminated in December 2019 when BMW made CarPlay free.
Do I have to pay for CarPlay on a used BMW?
It depends on the model year[6]. Used BMWs from 2020 onward should have free CarPlay. For 2016-2018 models, you may need to pay a $300 activation fee if the original owner never activated it. For 2019 models, verify the CarPlay status during your test drive—most have been grandfathered into the free program, but some edge cases exist.
Does BMW support Android Auto?
BMW has limited Android Auto support compared to Apple CarPlay[4]. While most competitors offer both platforms as standard, BMW focused primarily on CarPlay integration. Some newer models have added Android Auto, but iPhone users will have a more seamless experience with BMW’s infotainment system. Check your specific model’s compatibility before assuming Android Auto is available.
Why did BMW charge for Apple CarPlay?
BMW claimed integration costs justified the fee, though critics noted that Apple doesn’t charge automakers licensing fees for CarPlay[5]. The real reason appeared to be an attempt to create recurring revenue from connected services. When competitors continued offering CarPlay free and customers vocally objected, BMW reversed course within six months of implementing the subscription.
References
- BMW Blog. (2019). EXCLUSIVE: BMW USA to offer Apple CarPlay at no-cost. https://www.bmwblog.com/2019/12/04/exclusive-bmw-usa-to-offer-apple-carplay-at-no-cost/
- Car and Driver. (2019). Apple CarPlay Is Free for BMW Owners, Starting Now. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30139034/bmw-apple-carplay-free/
- Autvex. (2025). Does BMW Charge for Apple CarPlay? https://autvex.com/does-bmw-charge-for-apple-carplay/
- Cars Direct. (2018). BMW To Charge Monthly Fee For Apple CarPlay Access. https://www.carsdirect.com/automotive-news/bmw-to-charge-monthly-fee-for-apple-carplay-access
- Cult of Mac. (2019). BMW could ditch its pricey annual subscription for CarPlay. https://www.cultofmac.com/news/bmw-could-ditch-its-pricey-annual-subscription-cost-for-carplay
- CarPlay for BMW. (2024). Do You Have to Pay for Apple CarPlay in BMW? Explained. https://carplayforbmw.com/do-you-have-to-pay-for-apple-carplay-bmw/
- Car Interior Alibaba. (2026). BMW CarPlay Fee Guide: No Monthly Cost Now. https://carinterior.alibaba.com/buyingguides/bmw-carplay-fee-guide-no-monthly-cost-now
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
