German automaker BMW says drivers are not as reliant on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as people think. The company is citing data from 10 million of its cars that shows drivers are more likely to choose BMW's built-in navigation system over apps like Apple Maps or Waze, ArenaEV reports.
The notion that CarPlay is the primary navigation tool is a “myth,” says Stefan Durach, BMW’s senior vice president of interface development. The company’s data shows that BMW drivers prefer the company’s iDrive system, which offers up-to-date maps and real-time traffic information. He says that modern systems, especially in premium electric vehicles, are vastly superior to the outdated navigation solutions of the past.
Meanwhile, CarPlay remains popular for other tasks. BMW says drivers mostly connect their iPhones for messaging, allowing them to read and reply to texts safely, while they prefer the car's built-in system for navigation.
The auto industry is divided on its approach to smartphone integration. GM, Rivian, and Tesla have all abandoned CarPlay entirely in favor of their own software, while Aston Martin plans to implement Apple's CarPlay Ultra, which spans all of the car's screens. BMW has chosen to compromise by supporting standard CarPlay only on the center display.