A number vehicles come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility but adding Apple’s technology to the $83,100 740i costs an additional $300.
Instead of ditching the odd markup, BMW will reportedly begin charging owners an annual subscription for something that comes free on a $20,550 Hyundai Sonata. Despite sounding somewhat insane, BMW North America technology product manager Don Smith told The Verge the company is making the change to help benefit consumers.
As Smith explained, “A lot of people buy [the CarPlay option] and think it’s okay, but sometimes they stop using it or switch to Android.” Smith went on to say the subscription service allows customers to switch smartphones without getting stuck paying for an option they can no longer use.
The Apple CarPlay subscription will reportedly be free for the first year but, after that, customers will have to cough up $80 annually to continue using the service. The subscription is aimed at lease customers and Smith said it will cost them less than the $300 option does now.
In related news, Smith confirmed the Google Assistant will be joining Amazon’s Alexa in BMW models later this year.
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