BMW's plan to offer CarPlay as a subscription service is user-hostile

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

When buying a new car, the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment system, and the rights to use it, are usually factored into the vehicle's price or offered as an option. In many cases, it is an expected major feature and convenience that simplies a user's buying decision. Once you've purchased the vehicle, you can access CarPlay and its features all you want as a natural extension of your smartphone.

BMW, it seems, has other ideas. The German carmaker, which just recently added CarPlay to their vehicles, wants to charge a yearly subscription fee of US $80 for users. Apple CarPlay is already a $300 option when configuring a new Bimmer and while the first year to use CarPlay is free, customers will need to cough up $80 a year afterwards.

BMW's reason? They say this CarPlay tax helps users in the event that they want to discontinue the service or switch to Android. BMW does not currently offer Android Auto on any of its vehicles.

Don Smith, BMW’s technology product manager, explains  the subscription-based pricing will make it easier for users who switch from iOS to Android, or who lose interest in CarPlay as time progresses:

“This allows the customer to switch devices,” he said. “A lot of people buy [CarPlay] and think it’s okay, but sometimes they stop using it or switch to Android.”

The ability to switch between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a standard feature on many existing cars. You simply plug in your smartphone and choose the desired infotainment platform (provided you have the required app installed on your phone). I've switched freely between  CarPlay and Android Auto on various cars I've driven or reviewed with no issue whatsoever and certainly at no cost.

Smith said that over the course of a three or four-year lease, it would still work out to less money than the option is now.

It is surprising to see this nickel and dime gimmick coming from a premium carmaker like BMW but it isn't very friendly to customers who need to know that the industry standard is to not have to pay subscription for using CarPlay.

Source: The Verge