BMW Delivers Cars Without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The chip scarcity has claimed a different casualty as considerably as fashionable car or truck capabilities go. This time, the lack is leaving homeowners of some brand name-new BMW versions without Apple CarPlay and Android Car. Very well, at least, briefly. The Bavarian carmaker has requested new shoppers to hold out until it can push an over-the-air update that will inevitably enable the smartphone interface, as Automotive News stories.

The delay is thanks to BMW switching to a new chip supplier, which has hardware all set to go but not the application desired to operate the smartphone integration. This is generally influencing styles specified with code “6P1,” and it’s taking place in significant marketplaces which include the U.S. and during the European Union.

BMW expects the OTA update to be ready some time in the summer months, all-around the conclusion of June. Until eventually then, it appears to be like like motorists of the BMW designs impacted will have to use the very good, outdated Bluetooth A2DP profile, or (gasp!) be pressured to use the antiquated 3.5mm AUX port — if their smartphone even now has a 3.5mm port.

But the choice for the two carmaker and motor vehicle purchasers alike was either to slum it with the outdated tech quickly, or not have a new BMW at all. As the chip lack is ongoing, BMW had to decide on in between idling specified creation vegetation before this year or releasing new vehicles with no the Apple and Google tech.

BMW’s infotainment provider Harman reported the final decision to “de-content” some components would keep manufacturing flowing, and new car supply uninterrupted:

“In some cases, we ended up able de-material some of our products and preserve this shopper knowledge on the same level,” Harman Automotive manager Christian Sobottka advised Automotive News Europe. “The rapid redesign and the de-contenting in several instances avoided a week-very long [plant] shutdown.”

This selective tactic of what to contain and what to (briefly) omit is all carmakers can reportedly do as they struggle in opposition to declines in output and sales. Automakers say this sharp lower is owing to the chip lack, and it is forcing the carmakers to “de-content” in other means.

VW bought some of its automobiles without a head device at all in Brazil. GM experienced to cut heated seats from some of its crossovers. And Ford had to slash navigation capabilities from few Bronco styles. I genuinely hope this move to de-written content will see a corresponding price tag reduction or “de-payment.”