BMW will finally integrate Android Auto in 2020

MANILA: BMW announced that it will finally offer Android Auto to all its cars equipped with the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system and “Live Cockpit Professional” hardware starting July 2020.

A couple of years ago, BMW has no intention of offering Android Auto. It, in fact, exclusively incorporated Apple CarPlay, banking on the fact that the elite prefers the American brand stating that “Apple CarPlay was our main focus…[because> majority of our customers were using iOS mobile devices.” However, BMW spokesperson said that their customers “made it clear though that they would like to have Android Auto integration.” And the company listened.

BMW will offer wireless Android Auto to all its upcoming car models and current 2019/2020 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series sedans, as well as the newest X3, X5, X6, and X7 SUVs. And since it is wireless, it will only work with Pixel, Nexus, and Samsung phones.

This might be disappointing to some, especially if you drive an older version of a BMW. But if the wireless support is to be considered, they had no other option. The other possible compromise would be adding Android Auto without wireless support.

BMW’s move to include Android Auto reflects the growing trend among automakers of integrating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their infotainment system acknowledging the fact that car owners prefer the flexibility of having the option to choose rather than car manufacturers declaring allegiance to a specific phone-based interface in their cars.

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