However, do not be alarmed; this is merely a momentary situation.
Component shortages will be a problem for many automakers in 2022, not just Volkswagen.
Cars with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability have been temporarily removed from new BMW models, according to a report from Automotive News Europe via 9to5Google.
Volkswagen says its new components are not presently compatible with any infotainment system, but it has stressed that impacted cars will get an over-the-air software update to remedy the problem by “end of June at the latest.” Volkswagen claims.
Even while BMW hasn’t said which models are impacted by the supplier change, 9to5Google adds that any model with “6P1” in its manufacturing code will not be equipped with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
In addition, according to Automotive News Europe, all of the impacted cars were produced in the first four months of 2022 for export to countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and France. It seems, therefore, that the problem affects a wide range of models all across the world.
It’s understandable that BMW customers are upset that their cars may not come with all of the amenities they’ve paid for, but it’s important to recall why BMW made the choice in the first place.
Volkswagen’s ability to supply electric cars on schedule is in jeopardy because of the continued chip scarcity, whilst BMW has decided to swap component suppliers in an attempt at mitigating delays. Evidently, that decision has come at the price of immediate compatibility for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay software, but at least the firm has committed to remedy the problem with impending over-the-air upgrades.
As a result of the trade-off, drivers may be more forgiving of BMW’s prior mitigation plan — in November 2021, a few of new cars were supplied without touchscreens and other assistance functions. Customers who were affected by the outage received a $500 credit as compensation.
A lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility for BMW and other automakers isn’t going to be the end of the story. When it comes to PS5 supply and printer ink cartridge availability, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger says the worldwide component scarcity might extend until 2024.