The BMW iDrive system is one of the most popular and advanced infotainment systems on the market. With a full suite of features, including navigation, voice control, music streaming, and more, it’s no wonder that so many people choose a BMW with iDrive when buying a new car. But with the growing popularity of Apple CarPlay, many BMW owners are asking, “Which iDrive has Apple CarPlay?”.
The answer to this question is that all newer BMWs with iDrive 7.0 or higher have the capability to integrate with Apple CarPlay. iDrive 7.0 was first released in 2017 and is now standard in all BMWs produced since 2019. It’s important to note that while Apple CarPlay is available on all newer BMWs with iDrive 7.0 or higher, it is not included in the basic iDrive package and must be purchased separately. The cost of the Apple CarPlay option varies by model, but typically ranges between $300 and $400.
Once installed, Apple CarPlay allows users to access their favorite Apple apps and services on their car’s infotainment system. This includes making hands-free calls, sending and receiving messages, listening to music, using Apple Maps for navigation, and more. The integration is seamless, allowing users to control their Apple devices with the same interface they’re used to from their BMW iDrive. It’s also possible to control the system using the Apple Siri voice assistant, allowing you to stay connected without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
If you’re considering buying a BMW with iDrive 7.0 or higher and would like to use Apple CarPlay, make sure to purchase the Apple CarPlay option when configuring your car. This will ensure that you have the full suite of Apple apps and services at your fingertips when you get behind the wheel.
What is Apple CarPlay & iDrive?
Apple CarPlay and iDrive are two different types of infotainment systems that allow you to access your iPhone or other device for a variety of features. A CarPlay-enabled car can be used to access music, phone, navigation, and other apps directly from your iPhone. iDrive, on the other hand, is BMW’s infotainment system. It is a touchscreen-based system that allows you to access a variety of functions, including navigation, music, and more.
CarPlay and iDrive both offer seamless integration with your smartphone, so you can access your favorite apps, send and receive messages, and make calls without having to take your attention away from the road. They also both offer voice control, allowing you to control the system without ever taking your hands off the wheel.
The main difference between Apple CarPlay and iDrive is the way they integrate with your phone. CarPlay is an Apple product, so it only works with iPhones. iDrive is a BMW product, so it works with Android, Apple, and Windows-based phones. Additionally, iDrive offers more customization options than CarPlay, such as allowing you to customize the display and control settings.
In terms of price, CarPlay is generally cheaper than iDrive. CarPlay is available in most new cars, and you can even get aftermarket systems that are compatible with CarPlay for as little as a few hundred dollars. iDrive systems, on the other hand, are usually only available with select BMW models and can cost several thousand dollars.
If you’re looking for a simple way to access your iPhone in the car, then CarPlay is the way to go. If you want more control over your infotainment system, then iDrive is the better choice. To find out which BMW models come with iDrive, you can check the BMW website or contact your local BMW dealer.
System | Compatibility | Price |
---|---|---|
Apple CarPlay | iPhone | $200 – $300 |
iDrive | Android, Apple, Windows | $2,000+ |
The Benefits of Apple CarPlay & iDrive for Drivers
Every vehicle comes with a different infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and iDrive are two of the most common. Drivers love these systems because they allow them to access their phone’s features from the car’s dashboard. Both offer a variety of benefits, from convenience to safety. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of Apple CarPlay and iDrive for drivers.
Apple CarPlay is available in select vehicles from major automakers such as Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen. It allows drivers to access their iPhone’s contacts, music, messages, and more through the car’s dashboard. It also offers hands-free calling and messaging, and it integrates with Apple Maps for navigation. In addition, drivers can control their music with voice commands and access third-party audio apps like Spotify and Pandora.
iDrive is available in select BMW models. It also allows drivers to access their phone’s features and integrates with navigation. It also offers hands-free calling and messaging and integrates with third-party audio apps like Spotify and Pandora. In addition, drivers can control their music with voice commands and access BMW ConnectedDrive services like real-time traffic information.
Both Apple CarPlay and iDrive offer a variety of benefits for drivers. They are both easy to use and allow drivers to access their phone’s features from the car’s dashboard. This eliminates the need to fiddle with the phone while driving, which is a safety benefit. They also both offer hands-free calling and messaging, which makes it easier for drivers to stay connected while on the road. In addition, they both integrate with third-party audio apps like Spotify and Pandora, and they both offer voice commands for controlling the music.
The cost of Apple CarPlay and iDrive varies depending on the vehicle. Apple CarPlay is typically available as an optional feature on new vehicles, while iDrive is generally included on BMW vehicles. Apple CarPlay is also available as an aftermarket option on select vehicles.
In conclusion, Apple CarPlay and iDrive offer a variety of benefits for drivers. They allow drivers to access their phone’s features from the car’s dashboard, eliminating the need to fiddle with the phone while driving. They also offer hands-free calling and messaging, and integrate with third-party audio apps like Spotify and Pandora. The cost of Apple CarPlay and iDrive varies depending on the vehicle.
Apple CarPlay is a feature found in certain vehicles that allows users to control compatible apps and features from an iPhone using the vehicle’s built-in interface.
Apple CarPlay is available on BMW iDrive models 5, 6, 7 and X5 since 2016.
Yes, some BMW iDrive models offer wireless Apple CarPlay.
Yes, most features from Apple CarPlay are accessible from the iDrive system.
No, Apple CarPlay is free and comes with compatible BMW iDrive models.
Apple CarPlay offers access to a variety of apps from the App Store including Maps, Music, Messages, and more.
Connect your iPhone to the BMW iDrive system using a USB cable. Then follow the prompts on the iDrive to complete the setup.
No, the display on the BMW iDrive system will vary depending on the model.
Apple CarPlay is compatible with most iPhone models, but may be incompatible with older iPhone models.
Yes, Apple CarPlay can be used when the vehicle is in park or stopped.