According to Automotive News Europe, BMW is temporarily delivering some new vehicles without support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay after switching chip vendors (by way of 9to5Google). The chips from the new source are reportedly incompatible with Android Auto and CarPlay at the moment, necessitating a software update.
What’s New?
In an emailed statement to Automotive News Europe, BMW stated, “The chips placed into these cars in the first four months of this year require updated software in order to be fully functional and offer Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Wi-Fi functionality.” BMW did not respond to The Verge’s request for comment right away.
However, drivers should not have to wait too long to get Apple CarPlay an d Android Auto assistance. According to Automotive News Europe, the automaker expects to provide an over-the-air (OTA) update to make the performance available “by the end of June at the latest.”
BMW did not indicate how many cars are affected or which models are affected, but cars with the production code “6P1” will not have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
What’s More?
It’s unclear if the issue affects only certain places – Automotive News Europe reports that drivers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and France have reported receiving new cars that aren’t performing properly.
Because of the chip shortage, BMW has made a secondary sacrifice. Last November, BMW announced that it had halted deliveries of some of its new vehicles that lacked touchscreens and backup assistant features, and that impacted customers would receive a $500 credit.
Digging In More Details
Other automakers, such as General Motors, were also adversely affected by the shortage. GM has removed wireless charging from a number of vehicles, removed a gasoline management module from a few others, and reduced the automated Super Cruise feature in the Cadillac Escalade 2022. Ford recently began delivering and promoting Explorer SUVs without rear heating and air conditioning controls for a limited time.
Chip shortage, which affects a variety of businesses in various ways, might last until 2024, according to Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger.