BMW Apple CarPlay: Available Models & Setup Guide

Apple CarPlay creates a seamless integration between your BMW's infotainment system and your iPhone.

Your BMW in-car display mirrors the recognizable iPhone interface, providing a familiar way to interact with your favorite apps such as iMessage, Google Maps, Spotify, and Apple Music.

You can control Apple CarPlay through a range of iDrive features, including the iDrive controller, touch screen, or voice commands.

BMW Models With Apple CarPlay

Below is a list of all BMW models available in the US that have Apple CarPlay, and the model year that they started offering it. Apple CarPlay is available on all BMW models with the iDrive 7 or newer operating system. For the 2025 model year, all new BMW models have Apple CarPlay as standard.

• BMW X1: 2018-
• BMW X2: 2018-
• BMW X3: 2017-
• BMW X4: 2017-
• BMW X5: 2017-
• BMW X6: 2017-
• BMW X7: 2018-
• BMW 2 Series: 2017-
• BMW 3 Series: 2017-
• BMW 4 Series: 2017-
• BMW 5 Series: 2017-
• BMW 6 Series: 2017-
• BMW 7 Series: 2017-
• BMW 8 Series: 2018-
• BMW Z4: 2019-
• BMW iX: 2022-
• BMW i3: 2018-
• BMW i4: 2022-
• BMW i5: 2024-
• BMW i7: 2023-
• BMW i8: 2019-

If you have any questions about which BMW models offer Apple CarPlay, feel free to give us a call at 877-797-6185 to speak with one of our knowledgeable and friendly team members. You can also view our new and pre-owned vehicles with Apple CarPlay here on our website.

How to Connect to Apple CarPlay in Your BMW

With iDrive 8:

1. To start, in the "Settings" section of your iPhone, select "Bluetooth" to put your device in pairing mode.
2. Navigate to the "TEL" menu in iDrive. Then, select "Connect new telephone".
3. Choose the iPhone you wish to pair within the BMW iDrive screen.
4. A prompt will appear on your iPhone. Confirm you are pairing by selecting "Yes" then "Allow".
5. On the iDrive screen, select "Use Apple CarPlay".

With iDrive 7:

1. To start, in the "Settings" section of your iPhone, select "Bluetooth" to put your device in pairing mode.
2. Navigate to "Com" menu in iDrive. Then, select "Mobile devices".
3. On the following screen, select "+ New device".
4. Select "Phone calls and audio". Choose the iPhone you wish to pair within the BMW iDrive screen.
5. On your iPhone, confirm you are pairing by selecting "Pair".
6. On the following screen, select "Confirm note and connect Apple CarPlay".

With iDrive 5 & 6:

1. To start the pairing process, select the "Communication" section in the iDrive display. Then, select "Manage mobile devices" followed by "Connect new device". Then, select "Apple CarPlay".
2. Select "Confirm". Your vehicle ID will be displayed.
3. In the "General" section of "Settings" on your iPhone, select "CarPlay". Match your vehicle ID to the correlating one in the "AVAILABLE CARS" list.
4. After pairing via passcode, wait about a minute or two until Apple CarPlay is fully linked to your BMW.
5. On your iPhone screen, follow the prompts to "Pair" the request, and "Allow" for the iPhone to sync. When your iPhone is connected, the Apple CarPlay icon will display in the status bar at the top of the screen and the status bar will turn blue.
6. Once successful, the main menu of Apple CarPlay will be displayed in the iDrive screen.

BMW Apple CarPlay FAQs

What are the requirements to use Apple CarPlay in my BMW?

Apple CarPlay requires iDrive 5.0 or newer and BMW Navigation system. In addition, you must have an iPhone® 5 or newer running on iOS 9.3 or higher. Your iPhone must also have an active data plan, along with Siri, WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities turned on.

Does my iPhone require a USB cable in order for it to connect via CarPlay?

No. BMW enables the wireless and convenient use of your iPhone with CarPlay.

I've paired my iPhone as Apple CarPlay, why is my phone not connected via Bluetooth?

After connecting to CarPlay, your iPhone's "Bluetooth" settings will show the vehicle's ID as "Not Connected." This is normal due to the wireless capabilities.