Many BMW vehicles come equipped with the iDrive infotainment system, but not all versions support Apple CarPlay. For those who want to use Apple CarPlay in their BMW, it is important to know which iDrive versions have CarPlay compatibility.
The iDrive system was originally released in 2001 and has seen several major updates over the years. The latest version is iDrive 7. It is the only version that supports Apple CarPlay. It is available in the new BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series models.
The previous version, iDrive 6, is available in some BMW vehicles, such as the 3 Series and 4 Series. However, it does not include Apple CarPlay. The same is true for the even older versions of iDrive, such as iDrive 5.
If you want to use Apple CarPlay with your BMW, the only option is to get a vehicle that has iDrive 7. The cost of the iDrive 7 system varies depending on the model of BMW you choose, but it typically adds a few thousand dollars to the price of the vehicle.
The iDrive 7 system includes many features that are not available in the previous versions. It has an enhanced display, improved performance, and better voice control. It also includes advanced driver assistance systems and a WiFi hotspot.
In addition to Apple CarPlay, iDrive 7 is also compatible with Android Auto. Both systems provide access to your smartphone’s music, maps, and other apps directly on the BMW’s touchscreen.
Overall, if you want to use Apple CarPlay in your BMW, you will need to get a vehicle with the iDrive 7 system. It is available in the new 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series models. While it adds to the cost of the vehicle, it brings a number of improvements over the previous versions of iDrive.
Understanding the Different iDrive Versions with CarPlay
Today’s cars offer plenty of technology, including audio systems that are compatible with Apple CarPlay. iDrive, BMW’s in-car system, has been around for some time and is now available in several different versions. But which iDrive version has CarPlay?
The current iDrive system used in most BMW vehicles is iDrive 7.0. It was first released in 2017 and is the most advanced version of iDrive to date. It comes standard in every BMW vehicle and is the only version of iDrive that supports Apple CarPlay. The iDrive 7.0 features a touch screen interface and voice commands that can be used to control the car’s audio system, navigation system and other features.
The previous version of iDrive is iDrive 6.0, which was released in 2014. While this version of iDrive does not support Apple CarPlay, it still has a range of features. It has a dedicated touchpad, controller knob and display with access to the car’s navigation system, audio system and other features.
The first version of iDrive was released in 2001 and is known as iDrive 1.0. This version does not have a touch screen interface or the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay. Instead, it is operated using a rotary knob and display and is only capable of controlling the car’s audio system.
To sum up, the only version of iDrive that supports Apple CarPlay is iDrive 7.0, which is the most advanced version of iDrive available. The previous version, iDrive 6.0, does not support Apple CarPlay but still has a range of features. The first version of iDrive, iDrive 1.0, does not support Apple CarPlay but is still capable of controlling the car’s audio system.
| iDrive Version | CarPlay Support |
|---|---|
| iDrive 7.0 | Yes |
| iDrive 6.0 | No |
| iDrive 1.0 | No |
What is CarPlay and How Does it Function with an iDrive System?
If you’ve been considering a BMW with an iDrive system, you may have heard of the term “CarPlay”. CarPlay is an infotainment system from Apple that integrates with your car’s audio system and provides a more user-friendly and intuitive interface for controlling music, navigation, and other features of your car.
CarPlay works with several iDrive systems, including the CIC (6th generation) and NBT (7th generation) systems. The CIC system was first released in 2005 and was the first to introduce the iDrive system. The CIC system is still available in many of the older BMWs from 2012 and earlier. The NBT system was first released in 2012 and is now available in most of the newer BMWs starting in 2013. Both the CIC and NBT systems offer standard CarPlay functionality, including the ability to access Apple Music, Maps, and Siri.
When using CarPlay with an iDrive system, you can control your music, navigation, and other features of your car with the iDrive controller. You can use the iDrive controller to adjust audio volume, skip tracks, and access different menus. You can also use voice commands to control your car’s functions, with the help of Siri. In addition, you can access the Apple Maps app to get directions, and access the Apple Music app to listen to music.
In order to use CarPlay with an iDrive system, you’ll need to have an iPhone running iOS 12.1 or later. Additionally, you may need to purchase a CarPlay-compatible aftermarket audio system or USB adapter, depending on the age of your vehicle. The cost of adding CarPlay to an iDrive system will vary depending on the type of system you have and the aftermarket hardware you need to purchase.
Overall, CarPlay provides a great way to enjoy the features of your car’s audio system and make it easier to control your music, navigation, and other functions. With the help of Siri, you can control your car’s features with voice commands, and access Apple Maps and Apple Music for easy navigation and entertainment.
The following table shows which iDrive systems are compatible with Carplay:
| iDrive System | Compatible With CarPlay? |
|---|---|
| CIC (6th Generation) | Yes |
| NBT (7th Generation) | Yes |
CarPlay is an Apple product that allows users to access certain apple apps directly from a car’s built-in display.
iDrive versions 5 and 6 are both compatible with CarPlay.
Many BMW models from 2015 onward are compatible with CarPlay.
CarPlay can be activated in a compatible BMW car by connecting an Apple device through the USB port.
CarPlay works by mirroring content from an Apple device onto a car’s built-in display, allowing users to access certain Apple apps directly.
CarPlay provides access to popular Apple apps, such as Music, Maps, Phone, and Messages.
Yes, CarPlay supports many languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish.
No, CarPlay is an Apple product and only works with Apple devices.
CarPlay supports audio sources such as Apple Music, podcasts, and other audio streaming services.
Yes, CarPlay allows users to control certain features and apps using voice commands.
