BMW is embracing Android Auto and CarPlay

BMW has become the latest automaker to embrace Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto. The company didn’t mention which models would be getting support for the two services, but CEO Harald Krüger made it clear that he wants BMW’s customers to be able to make full use of their smartphones while in their cars, while also stating his desire to ensure that customer data isn’t being sold to third-parties. According to him, protecting customer data is a top priority, which is good to hear considering the recent report that Google is trying to get automakers to allow it collect as much data as it wants on drivers. 

BMW, this week, announced that they will be bringing Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto to their future vehicles, although they did not mention which models would be getting the update. It’s pretty fair to assume that all of their cars will be getting these features as part of their infotainment system though. BMW’s CEO Harald Krüger confirmed this last week during their quarterly earnings conference call. Stating, “We want our customers to be able to make full use of their smartphone’s features in the car as well.” Which explains the move to offer both Apple and Google’s services in upcoming models. He also went on to say that it’s not in their customers interest to give third-party provides access to their data, and they are making sure that data protection for their customers are a “top priority”. Recently, there was a report out that Google was wanting a full system dump from cars that have Android Auto. Although Google came out and denied it, also stating what information they are taking away from Android Auto. Which is mostly all data to make the Android Auto experience better. Like knowing the state of the headlights, to see if Android Auto should be in daytime or nighttime mode. Google is a company that collects a ton of data, so this shouldn’t be too surprising.