BMW Says Your Passion For Android Auto And CarPlay Isn’t Genuine

When General Motors announced the removal of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its electric vehicles, it faced strong backlash online. Many consumers view phone mirroring as essential, and discussions on social media suggest that for some, the lack of CarPlay is a dealbreaker. But what if the data tells a different story?

German automaker BMW is pushing back, suggesting that drivers, especially in its cars, don’t rely on these systems as much as everyone thinks. According to Stephan Durach, a senior executive at BMW who is in charge of the user experience, the idea that drivers overwhelmingly use CarPlay for navigation is simply a “myth.”

He argues that despite people claiming they use apps like Apple Maps or Waze for directions, the reality in a BMW is different. The company has data to support this claim, challenging the belief that built-in car navigation systems are outdated in the smartphone era.

BMW’s confidence comes from data collected from around 10 million cars, which helps engineers understand customer interactions, like button usage, and feature preferences. “We can see what our customers are doing,” said Durach. The data shows that drivers prefer the car’s built-in navigation system over Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Navigation systems a decade ago were slow and often required dealer visits for updates. Today, modern infotainment systems, especially in premium electric cars, are internet-connected and can access real-time traffic information while keeping maps updated. BMW has invested heavily in its navigation system, making it a strong alternative to phone-based apps, and its data shows that this investment is paying off.

This doesn’t mean people have stopped using phone integration altogether. Durach noted that BMW drivers still connect their iPhones via CarPlay. However, they use it for different tasks. The primary use, according to the company’s data, is for messaging. It allows drivers to safely see and respond to texts without picking up their phones.

The auto industry is divided on phone mirroring. GM, Rivian, and Tesla prefer their own software, while others, like Aston Martin, plan to use CarPlay Ultra, which takes over all screens in the car. BMW and several manufacturers offer standard CarPlay integration on their main display as a compromise.

This ongoing split shows there is no single right answer, as automakers bet on different strategies to create the best experience for drivers of all cars, including the latest EVs.

• Also See: Next-Generation BMW X7 Set For 2027 Release Date