No, BMW does not charge for Apple CarPlay on new vehicles anymore—it is now included as a standard, complimentary feature on all models equipped with iDrive 7 or newer systems[1]. BMW reversed its controversial $80 annual subscription fee in December 2019 following significant customer backlash, making CarPlay free for the life of the vehicle[2]. The company even refunded customers who had already paid during the brief subscription period[3].
BMW generated considerable negative publicity in mid-2019 when it became the only luxury automaker to charge recurring fees for Apple CarPlay[4]. The decision seemed particularly questionable given that budget brands like Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Skoda offered CarPlay at no additional cost.
The subscription model launched with 2019 model year vehicles and included three pricing tiers[1]:
| Plan Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Free | Trial period included with purchase |
| Annual Subscription | $80/year | Required after first year |
| Three-Year Package | $255 | Reduced annual cost |
| Lifetime/20-Year Option | $295-300 | One-time payment |
BMW justified the fee by claiming that wireless CarPlay technology could cause compatibility issues with factory-installed features when Apple released software updates[2]. The subscription was supposed to fund BMW's ongoing development of iDrive system updates to maintain compatibility.
The explanation failed to satisfy customers who pointed out that other automakers managed to offer CarPlay without charging extra. Within months, BMW reversed course entirely.
In December 2019, BMW announced that Apple CarPlay would become free for all owners of vehicles equipped with the OS7 (iDrive 7) infotainment system[3]. The reversal applied retroactively—owners who had already purchased subscriptions were upgraded to unlimited lifetime access at no additional cost[3].
Car and Driver reported that BMW decided keeping CarPlay free was necessary to remain competitive in the market[2]. The brief subscription experiment lasted only about six months, from July to December 2019.
Key timeline:
For comparison, Audi has never charged separately for Apple CarPlay. See our guide on Audi's Apple CarPlay policy for details on that brand's approach.
Apple CarPlay comes standard on all new BMWs equipped with iDrive 7 or newer systems and factory navigation[1]. This covers the vast majority of current models:
| Model Series | iDrive Version | CarPlay Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Series (2020+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| 3 Series (2019+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| 4 Series (2021+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| 5 Series (2021+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| 7 Series (2020+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| 8 Series (2019+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| X3 (2018+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| X5 (2019+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| X7 (2019+) | iDrive 7/8 | Included free |
| i4, iX, i7 | iDrive 8 | Included free |
BMW offers wireless CarPlay as standard—a significant advantage over many competitors that still require a USB cable connection[2]. This wireless capability was actually one of BMW's justifications for the original subscription fee, though that argument proved unpersuasive to consumers.
For information on specific BMW models, see our guides on the 2025 BMW X3 or the 2025 BMW M3.
While new BMWs include CarPlay at no cost, some older models present different situations[3]:
Vehicles still equipped with BMW's previous-generation infotainment software (OS6/iDrive 6) may require an activation fee. Auto Express reported that models like the i3, i8, and the outgoing 2 Series and 4 Series with OS6 required a £235 (approximately $300) fee for CarPlay activation[3].
BMWs manufactured before 2017 generally lack native CarPlay support entirely. These vehicles would require aftermarket solutions to add CarPlay functionality.
If purchasing a used BMW from the 2018-2020 model year range, verify CarPlay status before buying[1]. While most should have free lifetime access following the policy reversal, some vehicles may have unusual situations:
BMW's ConnectedDrive digital services store underwent changes following the CarPlay controversy[1]. The platform now clearly shows CarPlay as included at no additional cost.
Other ConnectedDrive services maintain subscription pricing:
Understanding BMW's subscription services is important when evaluating BMW ownership costs overall.
Setting up CarPlay on your BMW is straightforward[5]:
Once paired, CarPlay launches automatically when your iPhone is detected near the vehicle. The wireless connection means you can keep your phone in your pocket or bag while using CarPlay features.
Following the same policy change, BMW also offers Android Auto at no cost[1]. Android Auto became available on BMW vehicles starting with 2020 models, later than CarPlay but also without subscription fees.
Both smartphone integration systems work similarly, allowing drivers to use navigation, music, messaging, and calling apps through the iDrive display. For more on BMW technology features, see what year BMW got Apple CarPlay.
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