Starting next year, BMW will install Android Automotive OS in some new models

Currently, car manufacturers mostly have their own developments for multimedia systems with a limited minimum of functions for entertainment, navigation, and car settings. This is diluted by the possibility of connecting smartphones using Apple CarPlay and/or Google Android Auto technologies. The latter complement the user experience well because they are more flexible in choosing applications and services.

The automotive platform from Google — Android Automotive OS — can allow the user much more than conventional systems in cars even without connecting to a smartphone. This includes receiving updates, various navigation maps, streaming services, podcasts, and more that can be found in the Google Play Store, even third-party applications. In this case, you can not connect the smartphone to the car at all. The first to use this platform was Polestar (Volvo).

BMW plans to join the use of Android Automotive OS in its new models. This was reported by Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of Connected Company and Technical Operations Development at BMW Group:

“We integrate the best aspects of all worlds – it can be our own in-house developments, open source or commercial software products, depending on what the specific solution looks like. Like it. We ensure that our customers always have a unique and personalized digital experience in their vehicle.”

So, starting next year in some new BMW models, the Android Automotive OS should replace the current BMW Operating System 8. In addition, the manufacturer noted that the latter will not be forgotten and it will continue to receive updates in other cars.

Currently, car manufacturers are picking up on Android Automotive OS. The system can be used both with Google services and exclusively with its own developments. It can be found in Volvo/Polestar, Rivian, Lucid, Maserati, GMC Hummer EV, some models of Chevrolet, Cadilac, Renault, Dodge, and others.

Interestingly, most BMW owners are iPhone users. In addition, BMW cooperates fruitfully with Apple, participated in the development of Apple CarPlay, and is one of the first to receive new features (for example, the function of using a smartphone instead of a car key will appear in BMW among the first).