Less than a week after announcing a change in policy regarding Apple CarPlay, BMW has confirmed that it will introduce Android Auto connectivity to its cars, starting from mid-2020, putting an end to one of the biggest complaints of customers and fans of the brand.
The Bavarian car maker might be late to the Android Auto party, offering (see charging, before making it free) just Apple CarPlay over the past few years, but at least they are making it wireless from the get-go. Customers will be able to view all the important information not just on the central infotainment screen but also in the instrument cluster and the head-up display.
BMW Does A 180 And Says Apple CarPlay Will Be Free On New Models
“Many of our customers have pointed out the importance to them of having Android Auto inside a BMW for using a number of familiar Android smartphone features safely without being distracted from the road, in addition to BMW’s own functions and services,” says Peter Henrich, Senior Vice President Product Management BMW. “We will offer this service to our customers starting in July 2020.”
The company was heavily criticized recently for its decision to charge Apple CarPlay as a subscription service, only to take it back and make the feature free on new models.
BMW will demonstrate the Android Auto function live for the first time at the CES 2020, making the service available from July 2020 for every model fitted with the Operating System 7.0.
“We are excited to work with BMW to bring wireless Android Auto to their customers worldwide next year,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Engineering, Google. “The seamless connection from Android smartphones to BMW vehicles allows customers to hit the road faster while maintaining access to all of their favourite apps and services in a safer experience.”
