Companies are really taking it to the next level on these subscription/pay as you go income models.
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BMW No Longer Charging Monthly Fee for CarPlay in Cars With Newest Software
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Ever drive one or any other luxury car for that matter? The proliferation of technology makes most cars appear the same on paper, but there's many aspects that can only be felt in person. From the thud of a closing door to the tightness of the handling, there is a difference that some feel is worth paying for.
Full disclosure I own a BMW but it's too old for CarPlay anyways. I always thought it was a ridiculous yearly charge though on the newer models, but not unexpected for the brand when my local dealer charges for individual wheel weights in addition to the flat rotating and balancing charge.
And never will. There's far better things to spend money on than a status symbol. But then again there's people who will spend more on a wristwatch than I did on my car, so clearly there's people out there with more money than sense.
I have an i3 as well, I've tried CarPlay on a couple of other cars and I have to say I'm happy with the i3's built it system as well.
I have driven "luxury" cars, and they don't do anything for me that justifies the significant price hike. For me a car is just a machine to go from A to B. Having more horsepower than what's needed to reach highway speed or wood trim doesn't really help accomplish the function of a car.
It's a matter of personal choice. You may find my choice misguided or wrong, it is still my choice to pay for it. Whether it's offered for free on other cars or not, I chose to buy a BMW and pay for the subscription price, that otherwise would have been free.
People have choices in buying either an iPhone or a Samsung, why do you think most people buy Apple products? I believe it works for them and it ties more on how it works for them, the convenience and how it works seamlessly.
Like I said before, I welcome the fact that they are removing the subscription price for CarPlay. I do respect your opinion, even though it does not affect how I pay for something I consider a convenience.
And that's fine. Some people are car enthusiasts while others view them as purely utilitarian. Obviously you're not in BMW's demographic, which is why there's makes and models for every type of person out there. Just know that not every buyer of a higher end car is doing it for status reasons.
Sounds like the guys at BMW need to hire you for your sage advice, particularly since BMW crushes Audi in sales.
Audis are not BMWs, BTW.
what gave them the idea to charge in the first place when every other manufacturer doing it for free
BMW arent even good cars
BMW previously charged around a $400 CAD fee to have Apple CarPlay on your BMW but then recently added the monthly subscription fees instead.
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They aren't going to try and make money off of something nobody uses.
p.s. I drive a BMW and use my turn signals religiously, but I think the stereotype is funny.
Nice analysis, but BMW is leading or among leaders in sales for the luxury car market depending on how you measure and what years you study. That's because the cars are extremely desirable.
"Not good" doesn't really count as a fact.
BMW should also charge a monthly fee for using the A/C and heater while they're at it. Apparently enough people on this thread think this is an ok move so perhaps Apple should take notice and charge a monthly fee for the convenience of setting your alarm.
I'm sorry people but if you think it's ok to charge a monthly fee to use something you already own then you're an idiot. I see people say you can choose to not buy a BMW but I say let's take it a step further and shame them into submission. If we don't say anything then we become complicit in enabling these companies to take advantage of us.
I don’t understand why it would require a subscription? Do they constantly update the software or something?
It's a business decision, they don't all work out.
As for "BMW arent even good cars" Well that is your opinion, I have a slight feeling you have never owned a new one to make such a statement. I'm not overly brand loyal, but my BMW experience has been stellar.
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Did you even read the article?
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Did you bother to read the article, or just smell blood into water and jump in.
Reading is fundemental
In the same sense, since you're on MacRumors, I assume that you buy (or at least enjoy reading about) Macs and iPhones that are capable than more than just basic functionalities, or made of a single piece of aluminum instead of plastic. People are going to be enthusiastic about different things.
It is amusing and confusing to see people calling out those that dare spend money on a luxury car brand, while we all own Apple products. Not calling you out specifically since you just gave your own opinion, and that's fine and good that luxury cars don't fit you personally. More money for other things you do like.
Why wait for a startup?
Access - BMW
Mercedes-Benz Collection
Audi Select
Book - Cadillac
All being tested in limited markets
I am surprised Apple allowed this, or didn't try to shut this down. I don't know the specifics of why the charge for access to CarPlay, but it seems like it's something Apple would have said 'wait a sec' to. If I didn't know better, I would be confused if the money was going to Apple or BMW. Anyone remember having to pay $9.99 to upgrade to iOS 2 or some iOS around there?
