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 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].
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]:
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].
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].
| 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.
Apple CarPlay compatibility depends on which version of BMW's iDrive infotainment system your vehicle has[10].
| 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].
If you're unsure whether your BMW has Apple CarPlay, follow these steps[11]:
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.
Once you've confirmed your BMW has CarPlay, setup is straightforward[11]:
For Wireless CarPlay:
For Wired CarPlay:
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