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BMW first introduced Apple CarPlay in September 2016, with the 2017 BMW 5 Series being the first model to feature the technology and also the first car in the world to offer wireless CarPlay[1]. By 2017, most BMW cars and SUVs had Apple CarPlay available as an option[2]. BMW made CarPlay a free standard feature on all compatible models starting in December 2019, after initially charging a controversial $80/year subscription fee[3].
BMW CarPlay Timeline
2016: Initial Introduction
BMW began integrating Apple CarPlay into its vehicles in September 2016[4]. This initial rollout was not universal across all models but marked the beginning of smartphone integration in BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. BMW was notably the first automaker to introduce wireless Apple CarPlay, a significant innovation at the time[1].
2017: First Production Models
The 2017 BMW 5 Series (G30) became the first BMW—and the first car in the world—to feature wireless Apple CarPlay[5]. HARMAN, which developed the infotainment system, announced that the new 5 Series used a combination of Bluetooth Low-Energy and short-range WiFi to enable cable-free CarPlay connectivity[5].
CarPlay became available on most BMW models in 2017, including[4]:
- BMW 2 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 4 Series
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 6 Series
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
- BMW X5
- BMW X6
2018: Subscription Model Introduced
In early 2018, BMW made the controversial decision to charge an annual subscription fee for Apple CarPlay[3]. The company charged $80 per year (£85 in the UK) after the first 12 months of free use[6]. This made BMW one of the only automakers to implement a subscription model for a feature that was free in competing vehicles[7].
BMW justified the charge by citing the complexity of integrating wireless connectivity and the costs involved[8]. The 2018 BMW X6 became the first model to include CarPlay as standard equipment[2].
2019: Free for All
Following significant customer backlash, BMW reversed course in December 2019[3]. The company announced that Apple CarPlay would be completely free on all 2019 and 2020 models equipped with the ConnectedDrive infotainment system[3]. BMW also processed refunds for customers who had paid for the subscription[9].
Since 2019, Apple CarPlay has been included as a standard, complimentary feature on all BMW models with compatible infotainment systems[9].
BMW Models with Apple CarPlay by Year
| Model Year | CarPlay Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Select models | Initial introduction, limited availability[4] |
| 2017 | Most models | First year widely available; 5 Series had wireless[1] |
| 2018 | Most models | X6 first to include as standard; subscription introduced[2] |
| 2019+ | All models | Standard and free on all compatible models[3] |
For model-specific information, see our guides on the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, and BMW X3.
iDrive System Requirements
Apple CarPlay compatibility depends on which version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system your vehicle has[10].
Compatible iDrive Versions
| iDrive Version | Years | CarPlay Support |
|---|---|---|
| iDrive 5.0 (NBT) | 2012-2016 | Aftermarket retrofit only[10] |
| iDrive 6.0 (NBT Evo) | 2016-2018 | Yes, wireless supported[4] |
| iDrive 7.0 | 2018-2022 | Yes, wireless standard[10] |
| iDrive 8.0 | 2022+ | Yes, wireless standard |
The iDrive 6.0 system introduced with the 2017 models was the first to feature seamless CarPlay integration[4]. Earlier BMW vehicles with iDrive 5.0 or older systems can add CarPlay through aftermarket retrofit kits, though this requires additional hardware installation[10].
How to Check if Your BMW Has CarPlay
If you’re unsure whether your BMW has Apple CarPlay, follow these steps[11]:
- Check your iDrive system: Navigate to COM > Mobile Devices on your iDrive screen
- Look for the CarPlay option: If CarPlay is available, you’ll see an option to connect your iPhone
- Verify your production date: CarPlay was standard on most 2017+ models
- Check your fuel door sticker: The production date can help determine compatibility
- Contact your BMW dealer: They can check your VIN for CarPlay compatibility
For used BMW buyers, always verify CarPlay functionality during a test drive, as some 2016-2018 models may not have the feature despite being within the compatible years.
Setting Up Apple CarPlay in Your BMW
Once you’ve confirmed your BMW has CarPlay, setup is straightforward[11]:
For Wireless CarPlay:
- Enable Siri, Bluetooth, and WiFi on your iPhone
- On iDrive 7 or later, press COM > Mobile Devices > New Device
- Select “Phone calls and audio”
- Find your BMW in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings
- Confirm the pairing PIN on both devices
- Select “Connect to Apple CarPlay” on your iDrive screen
For Wired CarPlay:
- Connect your iPhone via USB cable to the USB port
- Select “Connect to Apple CarPlay” when prompted on the iDrive screen
- Approve the connection on your iPhone
Key Takeaways
- BMW introduced Apple CarPlay in September 2016, with the 2017 5 Series being the first model to feature wireless CarPlay—a world first
- Most BMW models from 2017 onwards are compatible with Apple CarPlay, though availability varied by model and production date
- BMW controversially charged $80/year for CarPlay from 2018-2019 before making it free on all models in December 2019
- All 2019+ BMW models include Apple CarPlay as a free standard feature with wireless connectivity
- Older BMWs (2012-2016) can add CarPlay through aftermarket retrofit kits
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my 2017 BMW have Apple CarPlay?
Most 2017 BMW models have Apple CarPlay compatibility, but it depends on the specific model and production date[12]. The 2017 BMW 5 Series was the first to feature wireless CarPlay, while other 2017 models like the 3 Series and X3 had it available as an option. Check your iDrive system by navigating to COM > Mobile Devices to verify[11].
Did BMW charge for Apple CarPlay?
Yes, BMW charged $80 per year for Apple CarPlay from 2018 until December 2019[3]. This controversial subscription model made BMW the only major automaker to charge for CarPlay. Due to significant customer backlash, BMW eliminated the fee and made CarPlay free on all 2019+ models[3]. The company also refunded customers who had paid for subscriptions[9].
Can I add CarPlay to an older BMW?
Yes, BMWs with iDrive 5.0 (2012-2016) and earlier systems can add Apple CarPlay through aftermarket retrofit kits[10]. These kits typically cost $200-$500 and require installation by a specialist. The retrofits support both wired and wireless CarPlay depending on the kit chosen. Consult a BMW specialist or authorized dealer for compatible options.
Is BMW CarPlay wired or wireless?
BMW was the first automaker to offer wireless Apple CarPlay, starting with the 2017 5 Series[1]. Most BMWs from 2017 onwards support wireless CarPlay, though some models also include USB connectivity for wired use. Wireless CarPlay uses a combination of Bluetooth and WiFi to connect your iPhone without cables[5].
Does BMW have Android Auto?
BMW added Android Auto support later than CarPlay. Android Auto became available on BMW models starting with the 2020 model year[2]. Current BMWs support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, giving owners flexibility regardless of their smartphone platform.
References
- GM Authority. (2016). Competition Watch: BMW First Automaker To Introduce Wireless Apple CarPlay Integration. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2016/10/competition-watch-bmw-first-automaker-to-introduce-wireless-apple-carplay-integration/
- Ride Plus Drive. (2022). BMW Cars with Apple CarPlay (21 Models: Full List). https://rideplusdrive.com/bmw-apple-carplay/
- CarPlay Life. (2019). BMW cancels its CarPlay subscription fee in new vehicles. https://www.carplaylife.com/news/bmw-cancels-its-carplay-subscription-fee-in-new-vehicles/
- CarLinkIt Factory. (2025). What Year Did BMW Get Apple CarPlay? https://bmw.carlinkitfactory.com/what-year-did-bmw-get-apple-carplay-2/
- Car Showroom Australia. (2019). All-New BMW 5 Series Brings Wireless Apple CarPlay Support. https://www.carshowroom.com.au/news/all-new-bmw-5-series-brings-wireless-apple-carplay-support/
- Autocar UK. (2022). BMW U-turns on Apple CarPlay subscription fees in UK. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/technology/bmw-u-turns-apple-carplay-subscription-fees-uk
- CNET Roadshow. (2018). BMW’s Apple CarPlay annual fee is next-level gouging. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/bmw-carplay-fee-highway-robbery/
- Paul Tan. (2019). BMW drops Apple CarPlay subscription fees in all markets. https://paultan.org/2019/12/05/bmw-drops-apple-carplay-subscription-fees-across-all-markets-including-malaysia-service-now-offered-as-free-for-life/
- Autvex. (2025). Does BMW Charge for Apple CarPlay? https://autvex.com/does-bmw-charge-for-apple-carplay/
- BimmerTech. (2023). Do BMW and MINI Have Apple CarPlay? https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/196-do-bmw-and-mini-have-apple-carplay
- Ottocast. (2023). Ultimate Guide to Apple CarPlay in BMW: Compatibility & Models Overview. https://www.ottocast.com/blogs/carplay-adapter/ultimate-guide-to-apple-carplay-in-bmw-compatibility-models-overview
- CarPlay for BMW. (2024). Do 2017 BMW Models Have Apple CarPlay? https://carplayforbmw.com/do-2017-bmw-have-apple-carplay/
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.
