BMW is quickly transport some new automobiles with out assist for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay after altering chip suppliers, in line with a report from Automotive Information Europe (through 9to5Google). The chips from the brand new provider reportedly aren’t suitable with Android Auto and CarPlay but, and require an replace for the software program to work.
“The chips constructed into these automobiles within the first 4 months of this 12 months want up to date software program in an effort to be totally useful and supply Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Wi-Fi functionality,” BMW mentioned in an emailed assertion to Automotive Information Europe. BMW didn’t instantly reply to The Verge’s request for remark.
Drivers might not have to attend an excessive amount of longer to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist, although. The automotive producer advised Automotive Information Europe that it plans on rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) replace to make the performance obtainable “by the tip of June on the newest.”
BMW didn’t specify which automotive fashions are affected or what number of, however says automobiles with “6P1” of their manufacturing code gained’t include Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It’s unclear if solely sure areas are affected by the problem — Automotive Information Europe says drivers from the US, UK, Italy, Spain, and France have reported receiving their new automobiles with out both performance.
This isn’t the primary sacrifice BMW has made because of the chip scarcity. Final November, BMW confirmed that it stopped transport a few of its new automobiles with out touchscreens and a backup assistant characteristic and gave affected drivers a $500 credit score in return.
Different automotive corporations, like Basic Motors, have been additionally closely impacted by the scarcity. GM dropped wi-fi charging from a variety of automobiles, axed a gasoline administration module from a few of its vehicles, and minimize the driverless Tremendous Cruise characteristic within the 2022 Cadillac Escalade. Extra just lately, Ford began quickly transport and promoting Explorer SUVs with out rear heating and air-con controls.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger predicts the chip scarcity, which impacts an array of industries in several methods, might final into 2024.
