BMW has dropped support for Apple CarPlay Ultra and opted for iDrive

BMW has officially confirmed that it has no plans to adopt Apple CarPlay Ultra, the enhanced version of the in-car interface introduced at WWDC 2022 and launched a few months ago. The company will concentrate on developing its own iDrive platform.

Only standard CarPlay – and only on one screen

The company intends to develop only the standard version of CarPlay – and that in a limited format. While Apple’s interface could previously be used on multiple screens, including the dashboard and projection display, it will now only be available on the multimedia system’s center display.

Priority is iDrive’s own platform

With CarPlay Ultra out of the picture, BMW is betting on an updated version of the iDrive system unveiled at CES 2025. It will make its debut in the iX3 electric crossover and then appear in other models in the Neue Klasse series.

The iDrive system will be available in the iX3 electric crossover and then in other models in the Neue Klasse series.

The new iDrive will be more deeply integrated with the car’s systems and, according to the manufacturer, will provide a closer connection to BMW’s digital infrastructure.

CarPlay Ultra loses automaker support

The launch of CarPlay Ultra dragged on for nearly two years, and after release, automakers’ interest in the platform has noticeably waned. Since the beginning of 2024, more than 20 brands, including Fiat, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Volkswagen and now BMW, have announced or unconfirmed support for an expanded version of CarPlay.

More than 20 brands, including Fiat, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Volkswagen and now BMW, have announced their reluctance to adopt CarPlay Ultra.

The article BMW drops Apple CarPlay Ultra support and bets on iDrive was first published on ITZine.ru.