Have They Lost Their Mind? BMW Wants You To Pay A Fee To Use Apple CarPlay

Unlike many automakers that offer Apple CarPlay in their new cars, BMW makes you pay for it on all of their models. That’s unlikely to change, but it may soon cut a break to those who don’t use iOS or don’t like Apple’s smartphone integration system for the car.

The automaker next year will turn CarPlay into a subscription-based service rather than treating it as a one-time option, Don Smith, technology product manager for BMW North America, told The Verge at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday.

scenicbyway12 - 1/18/2018 12:04:56 PM

+1 Boost

First off I find CarPlay mediocre at best, seriously who want use Apple maps. I think BMW charging for it is ridiculous, but watch everybody else follow.

countguy - 1/18/2018 12:12:37 PM

+13 Boost

LMAO, they don't call it break my wallet for nothing. Their cars are mediocre anyway.

bw5011 - 1/18/2018 1:10:04 PM

-2 Boost

Just like Apple users... They might as well cash in... A mediocre product from both profiting off name recognition.

Tiberius1701A - 1/18/2018 12:42:08 PM

+6 Boost

Coming from a brand that still cannot build an engine that doesn't leak oil after 60000 miles, it is no surprise.

Tiberius1701A - 1/18/2018 12:42:14 PM

+2 Boost

Coming from a brand that still cannot build an engine that doesn't leak oil after 60000 miles, it is no surprise.

atc98092 - 1/18/2018 1:17:46 PM

+11 Boost

Just like the airlines. Gonna nickel and dime the customer to death.

TheSteve - 1/18/2018 3:00:57 PM

+11 Boost

It's just another way to add a new item to the list of available options, and try to get more money from the consumer. Take a look at Porsche, who offers an extensive and pricey options list.

jeffgall - 1/18/2018 4:24:59 PM

+9 Boost

My fear is other manufactures will follow the same strategy.

vdiv - 1/18/2018 4:45:06 PM

+2 Boost

What's next? Charging you for making a left turn?
"Oh yes siree! You've made 5,000 left turns last month, at $0.20 per turn that will be a $1,000 + tax. We have already withdrawn the amount from yer Apple Pay account, thanks for using BMW!"

TomM - 1/18/2018 5:15:32 PM

+4 Boost

Unless competition does decide to do the same thing - I cannot see BMW actually following through with this. Imagine the ADS from the competition!

PUGPROUD - 1/19/2018 3:27:14 AM

+2 Boost

Typical autocratic German over reaching, over charging, stick it to our customers decision making. Don't forget these are the guys who introduced fake through your stereo exhaust sounds instead of spending the money like AMG to produce real pleasing sounds. I own a BMW and love it but some of their moves and thinking are based on pure greed.

CarCrazedinCali - 1/19/2018 5:57:00 PM

+2 Boost

Most all BMW and MINIs come with Siri Eyes free standard so you can already operate just about all iphone apps by voice (safer than touching a screen) and you can always mount the phone if you need to see it. Done. CarPlay should be standard on a premium brand anyhow.

skytop - 1/21/2018 9:17:03 AM

+1 Boost

What is the big deal?
Why are so many people upset and angry.
Car makers have forced their customers to have to subscribe to Sirius/XM for over 15 years. No difference with paying for Apple.