Thanks to technological advancement nearly all carmakers in today’s day and age offer an infotainment system. Unlike before people are switching to Apple Car Play or Android Auto instead of relying on the automaker’s infotainment software. BMW recently made it to the headlines after they started charging $80 per year for wireless Apple CarPlay, a feature that is offered for free by others.
BMW representative explains why the premium car maker needs the extra money to offer Apple CarPlay. According to the representative, the wireless CarPlay module requires different hardware as opposed to the traditional wired setup. This means the company needs to test the module separately and ensure that the hardware works properly.
That apart the company may need to troubleshoot new feature and software while ensuring interoperability with the current infotainment system. In order to fix the issues, BMW engineers have to invest time and money.
Our Take
Cars these days are filled to the brim with gadgets and electronics. What it means is that the modern-day cars are more prone to electronic and software error as opposed to the ones that were manufactured earlier. This forces automakers to spend money on software development and ensure that there are no bugs on the software front. Unlike iPhones, cars are expected to last much longer and it becomes important to keep the software updates rolling in.Read Next:dare tv
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That being said other automakers are still not charging a subscription fee for wireless Apple CarPlay. And it would be interesting to see if others will join BMW and levy an annual fee on their infotainment or continue offering the service for free. It is quite likely that other manufacturers might increase the sticker price to absolve the subscription fees, especially in premium luxury cars. It is worth noting that BMW is also offering 20-year CarPlay subscription at $300. Would you mind paying for software updates on your car? Let us know in the comments below.
[via Carandriver]
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