BMW Cars with Apple CarPlay (21 Models: Full List)
New infotainment systems feature high-resolution touchscreen displays and Apple CarPlay connectivity, essential for convenience, entertainment, and optimal enjoyment of modern cars.
The BMW luxury cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles in this post have Apple CarPlay integration, either wireless or wired with a USB cable.
Do All BMWs Have Apple CarPlay & When Did They Get It?
The latest BMW cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles have Apple CarPlay integration.
Most BMW cars and SUVs started getting Apple CarPlay compatibility in 2017, with the 2018 BMW X6 the first to have Apple smartphone functionality as standard.
Wireless smartphone charging and voice recognition are integral to the newer infotainment systems.
Check the corresponding table to see when each BMW model below has Apple CarPlay.
Meanwhile, brand loyalists on Android devices may find the post on BMWs with Android Auto useful.
BMW Cars with Apple CarPlay
#1 BMW 1 Series
2013 was the 1 Series’ final year in the American market, but the little car has continued its evolution for other global markets, with the current generation sporting noticeably more technology features.
When the third-gen BMW 1 Series (Mk3) appeared in 2019, it brought an iDrive infotainment touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay, and the provision has remained until today.
The previous-generation BMW 1 Series made in 2018 or earlier did not have Apple CarPlay functionality.
#2 BMW 2 Series
Coupes and convertibles were predominantly rear-wheel-powered automobiles. To broaden their accessibility to a wider audience, manufacturers have offered AWD variants to meet all-weather demands.
The coupe and convertible are expectedly agile due to their size, although the stiff ride will suit spirited weekend drives better than everyday commutes.
The BMW 2 Series has had Apple CarPlay in the higher trims since 2017, standard from 2021 onwards, and wireless connectivity in 2022 and beyond.
#3 BMW 3 Series
This compact sports sedan has a modern interior with roomy front seating, although the rear seat is best for two than three.
The 3 Series is available with a gasoline-only or plug-in-hybrid powertrain and in the sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles.
2020 was the year the BMW 3 Series received standard Apple CarPlay integration, while the 2021 and newer models gained wireless connectivity.
Between 2017 and 2019, BMW 3 Series had Apple CarPlay only in the higher trim levels.
2016 and older BMW 3 Series models did not support Apple CarPlay.
#4 BMW 4 Series
BMW 4 Series models are available in coupes and convertibles, with an equal split of RWD and AWD versions. But, more crucially, the 4 Series’ sporty handling does not compromise ride comfort like sporty coupes and convertibles tend to do.
While 2016 and older models had no smartphone compatibility, Apple CarPlay became available in the 2017 and 2018 BMW 4 Series and standard across all trim levels from 2019 onwards.
In 2020 and beyond, the BMW 4 Series gained wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
#5 BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series has been a compelling pick for a midsize luxury sedan, with top-notch performance, excellent ride comfort, and leading-edge technology features. It has a plug-in-hybrid version for higher fuel economy.
All BMW 5 Series sedans have had Apple CarPlay since 2019, although none can connect wirelessly yet.
2017 and 2018 BMW 5 Series had Apple CarPlay in pricier trims, while those made in 2016 and earlier did not support smartphone functionality.
#6 BMW 7 Series
The large luxury sedan segment has two top dogs that offer superior levels of performance and comfort: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series.
If you want a value-for-money large luxury sedan for a cool $10k less than the 7 Series, the Genesis G90 is worth considering.
Apple CarPlay integration is standard in 2019 and newer BMW 7 Series, and the 2018 and 2017 models only had Apple smartphone connectivity in the higher trims.
BMW 7 Series, produced in 2016 and earlier, did not have Apple CarPlay.
#7 BMW 8 Series
Due to its longer-than-average wheelbase for coupes and convertibles, the 8 Series is a superior highway cruiser.
The BMW 8 Series enjoyed wireless Apple CarPlay as standard since 2020, while Android Auto came later in 2020.
While the regular 8 Series is a large coupe or convertible, those wanting a sedan will be pleased with the four-door Gran Coupe.
#8 BMW M3
The M in BMW car names stands for ‘Motorsports,’ and the M3 is the smallest in this lineup.
While the standard 3 Series is a strong little car, the M3 is the favorite among enthusiasts.
When the model reappeared in 2021 after a two-year absence, the BMW M3 gained wireless Apple CarPlay as standard.
#9 BMW M4
The M4 feels like a thoroughbred track-focused machine, available in coupes and convertibles. Its handling is appropriately grippy, and the carbon-ceramic brakes are virtually fade-free.
The high-performance BMW M4 received standard Apple CarPlay integration from 2019 onwards, with the two prior models – 2017 and 2018 – only getting Apple smartphone connectivity as optional.
2016 and older BMW M4 had no Apple CarPlay support.
#10 BMW M5
Like most standard BMW models, the German marque took the regular 5 Series, gave it prodigious power through a V8, and affixed an M to its name.
It offers near-supercar-like performance in a supportive and commanding cockpit.
BMW offered wireless use of Apple CarPlay in the 2019 and newer M5 models, with the 2018 one only getting it as optional.
BMW SUVs with Apple CarPlay
#11 BMW X1
Though it’s the smallest in the BMW SUV stable, the X1 is a frontrunner in the subcompact luxury SUV class. You can have the X1 with all-wheel drive or the less-expensive front-wheel drive.
The BMW X1 has had Apple CarPlay for several years, with 2019 being the first model year to support smartphone connectivity before going wireless from 2020 onwards.
Only the upper trims of the 2018 BMW X1 support Apple CarPlay, while those built in 2017 or earlier had no such luck.
#12 BMW X2
Although slightly larger than the X1, the X2 is still an extra-small BMW SUV with a responsive engine and fun-to-drive character among its pluses.
Most BMW X2 model years have standard Apple CarPlay integration, except for the 2018 and 2019 SUVs offering Apple smartphone functionality only in the more expensive trims.
Its Apple CarPlay feature has yet to go wireless.
However, the X2’s ride comfort is mediocre, making rival CarPlay-equipped Audi and Mercedes-Benz models more appealing.
#13 BMW X3
Moving up BMW’s pecking order in size, the X3 is a solid all-rounder in the small luxury SUV class. It has roomy seating in both rows, a strong yet efficient engine, and a comfortable ride for five.
Shoppers researching the relatively popular BMW X3 small SUV will be happy to find standard Apple CarPlay support in the 2020 and newer models, with wireless connectivity optional since 2018 and standard in 2023 and beyond.
BMW X3 SUVs made in 2018 and 2019 had Apple CarPlay in the pricier trims, while 2017 and older ones had none.
#14 BMW X4
If you like the X3 but want a sportier-looking SUV, the fastback-style X4 will appeal. It rides firmly but comfortably, with supportive seats for long-distance driving.
Apple CarPlay was available in the higher trims of the 2018 BMW X4, becoming a standard provision across the range from 2019 onwards; none have wireless connectivity, however.
Shoppers interested in the 2017 or older BMW X4 will be disappointed with the absence of Apple CarPlay support.
#15 BMW X5
The X5 is a strong pick in the midsize luxury SUV segment, performing well in various driving and comfort metrics.
The BMW X5 has had Apple CarPlay as standard equipment since 2019, with the 2021 and newer SUVs having wireless connectivity.
Apple CarPlay was available only in the upper trims of the 2018 BMW X5, while older models had none.
Those desiring more capability when pushed will find plenty of appeal in the V8-shod X5 M model.
#16 BMW X6
The X6 is one of the earliest SUVs to spot a coupe-like, sloping roof form for a sportier outlook. It has hybrid and higher-performance M variants.
When the BMW M6 began supporting Apple CarPlay in 2017, it was only available in the more expensive trims.
BMW X6 SUVs from 2018 onwards have had Apple CarPlay integration as standard, and those made in 2016 or earlier had no smartphone compatibility.
#17 BMW X7
Drivers with larger families wanting a BMW SUV will find the full-size X7 a compelling pick. It’s appropriately big in interior space, bold in styling, and has heaps of power to haul seven occupants smoothly and comfortably.
When the German marque’s largest SUV, the BMW X7, debuted in 2019, it had standard Apple CarPlay functionality, and the feature has remained since.
However, Android users had to wait until 2023 before the BMW X7 supported Android Auto.
BMW Electric Vehicles with Apple CarPlay
#18 BMW i3
The little i3 saw 2021 as its final production year.
Still, the BMW i3 had Apple CarPlay smartphone support from 2019 to 2021, with the 2018 model getting such connectivity only in the higher trim levels.
2017 and older BMW i3 EVs had no Apple CarPlay compatibility.
#19 BMW i4
Think of the i4 as the electric version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe, available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The BMW i4 electric sedan debuted in 2022 and has supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
#20 BMW i7
The i7 is essentially an electrified version of the regular 7 Series sedan. Despite the batteries’ extra weight, the electric motor’s higher torque helps the car to pull smoothly and strongly.
As a 2023 debutant, the BMW i7 electric sedan has had standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, although they have yet to gain wireless connectivity.
#21 BMW iX
The iX is the German automaker’s first electric SUV, and an outstanding one. It is abundantly spacious and comfortable for a midsize SUV and a champ through the corners.
All BMW iX electric SUVs had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity.
Rival Makes & Models with Apple CarPlay
These premium automakers also have models with Apple smartphone connectivity:
- Audi cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Mercedes cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Volvo cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Lexus cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Acura cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Infiniti cars with Apple CarPlay.
- Genesis cars with Apple CarPlay.
Although the following manufacturers are mainstream ones, they have an upscale interior design that surpasses their direct rivals:
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