BMW announced this week that it is changing the method of charging for the use of the system C starting with the models launched this year, customers will pay annual subscriptions instead of the one-time purchase fee. BMW's change will bring CarPlay free to customers for the first year after buying the car, but after that they will have to pay an $80 annual subscription for the system.
BMW is criticized from all sides for the fact that it charges a fee for using CarPlay, even if the system is sold as an option, and this is because Audi, Mercedes and other premium manufacturers do not charge any money. Those from BMW have remained silent regarding the real reason why they charge a fee for using CarPlay, and this is where the press intervenes.
BMW receives the CarPlay system for free from the Apple company, but must pay a licensing fee for the MFi (Made for iPhone) program to be able to integrate the system in cars. It is not known how much money the Apple company is asking for the implementation of CarPlay in cars based on the MFi program, but this is the reason why BMW will charge an annual subscription.
"CarPlay isn't entirely free, however. Car manufacturers who wish to officially support Apple products must pay a licensing fee to enter Apple's Made for iPhone (MFi) program, just like any other licensed accessory maker. This is a one-time fee."
BMW pays a fixed fee for the integration of CarPlay in the car as part of the MFi program, but there are other costs for the integration and testing of the function, so the problem is not limited to Apple. Despite these things, BMW asks for money for a system offered free of charge by Audi, Mercedes, Ford and other manufacturers, some non-premium, and this will bring them even more criticism until they give up the practice.
