BMW Android Auto Support Ruled Out

Car manufacturers are increasingly integrating infotainment systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to ensure that their customers have access to the system of their choice. However, there are some manufacturers who opt for one or the other and not both. BMW is one such manufacturer. Even though it offers support for Apple CarPlay in some models as an option, it has ruled out Android Auto support in its cars for now.

Speaking with TechCrunch, Dieter May, BMW’s senior vice president of Digital Services and Business Models, said that the company believes that it has to control the customer interface of the experiences that are coming to the inside of the car.

BMW believes it to be a part of the brand experience and for that, it doesn’t want to have an Android screen. Despite the fact that it does offer CarPlay support as an option, BMW is more focused on promoting and further developing its own Apps for Auto platform which is part of its ConnectedDrive system. This platform allows apps to deeply and safely integrate with the car’s infotainment system.

The executive’s comments make it seem that the company isn’t really too excited about adding Android Auto to it cars so that means that those who have been holding on hope for it to eventually arrive might have to look elsewhere because for now, it doesn’t seem like BMW is interested in Android Auto support for its cars at all.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Transportation
Tags: Android Auto, bmw, carplay, MWC, MWC 2017