[OspoBimmer]

A newb question…

Just getting the iX next week. I love Apple CarPlay, but my other car has no native apps that are any good. The iX seems to have a robust Android/Google set of apps already.

Should I still connect through CarPlay, or is there an advantage to just connecting by Bluetooth and using those native apps? Even with out CarPlay, won’t it interact with my text and phone activity on the iPhone?

[darylp310]

OspoBimmer you can easily swap back and forth between the native iX apps and Carplay. I do it all the time to sometimes use the iX navigation, or use the iX SiriusXM app. In short, you lose nothing by connecting CarPlay, you still have access to all the BMWs app too.

[OspoBimmer]

Thanks! That is what I needed to know.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by OspoBimmer

Thanks! That is what I needed to know.

Like any other vehicle that has CarPlay, there are two completely separate systems, but you can use them both interchangeably - except for the parts that require Bluetooth. CarPlay relies on internal W-Fi, not Bluetooth, but the vehicle’s mobile device setup will take care of that for you. You can also toggle between Bluetooth and CarPlay. I just changing a setting in the mobile device settings on your vehicle, but I think you’ll find that to be really annoying.

For example, I use CarPlay for all my normal Apple stuff, but then I still use my in-vehicle apps like navigation, etc. without messing with that setting. As far as your vehicle is concerned, CarPlay is really an app of its own. Two totally separate systems.

[razor488]

Is there a way for the dash to default to apple maps view rather than the native navigation? I only get apple maps when I am actively navigating somewhere with it.

[Paladin1]

Google Maps is just a toggle on the Mic button with AA, so Apple is likely the same.

[VirtualGuitars]

Originally Posted by Paladin1

Google Maps is just a toggle on the Mic button with AA, so Apple is likely the same.

The mic button can be programmed to do different things. By default for CarPlay, pressing (and holding) the mic button will activate Siri or you can just say “Hey Siri!”

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

The mic button can be programmed to do different things. By default for CarPlay, pressing (and holding) the mic button will activate Siri or you can just say “Hey Siri!”

Correct, including conjuring up "Alexa"....