New BMWs To Sport Apple Interface, iPad And iPod Out Integration

Well now it’s official, BMW will have it out this year, and it’s also going to support the iPad—but they call it “Original BMW Accessories – BMW Carrier for Apple iPad Office Mode.” (How official!)

What’s cool about this is that finally we can expect the same experience in our car that we do from our phone. You can do it by connecting though the dock connector or better yet, Bluetooth — all navigated from the already in-car iDrive controller. The interface is Apple’s own, though it’s controlled from iDrive. Expect it to be similar to Front Row and to include album art.

For those with older iDrive systems, sadly there will be no upgrade. iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 and the second and third generation iPod Touches will be supported through the system. This is a really exciting turn towards a consistent interface among all cars, hopefully more automakers will wake up and drive the Apple Kool-Aid.

Note to automakers: We want to leave both our key and phone in our pocket upon entering the car. The key should open the car without the need for buttons and the phone should connect to the infotainment system with no cables. That is all we ask, it’s not that hard.

Gran Coupe