BMW Apple CarPlay - Is there a wired version?

[anonymous-user]

I'm struggling to get a clear answer on this from the dealer and there's so many CarPlay threads that my searches aren't proving fruitless.

I know that for BMW's standard implementation of CarPlay, you need to have the Pro Nav unit and the wireless charging/enhanced bluetooth which I think also gives you the extra wi-fi aerial in the car.

I know that you can get an aftermarket implementation of CarPlay via a USB stick and you may then also have to buy the aerial depending on what's in the car.

So with all that in mind, I'm left wondering, do BMW not just offer a wired version of CarPlay where you plug your phone in via lightning cable to one of the USB ports?

Does anyone know if this if possible?

Thanks!

[brums evil twin]

Unfortunately not - its wireless only for CarPlay and android auto.

[anonymous-user]

Why would you want to?

You can still plug your phone into a USB port to charge it but wireless CarPlay is really convenient and works well.

[CoolHands]

I don’t know why the whole industry is so complicated. I have a 2013 bmw mini with the top level of radio / sat nav stuff. But still can’t work out how I can play music from my iphone. No clear answers and no normal solutions. If you google it you end up with people saying to change the head unit to after market etc but all sounds a bit stupid.

[anonymous-user]

Tobermory said:

Why would you want to?

You can still plug your phone into a USB port to charge it but wireless CarPlay is really convenient and works well.

Because some cars don't have the necessary aerial to support wireless CarPlay or the BMW options pack, so for those, all they'd need to do is support the wired version?