The features will be updated to the cars over-the-air.
In 2022, the chip shortage that decimated the auto industry last year will continue to threaten vehicle production. BMW switched suppliers for its chip supplier to continue production, but the new semiconductors were not fully functional and didn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. They made it into new cars, but owners will be updated with the latest features.
BMW informed Automotive News Europe it would install the software features by way of an over-the air update before the end June. Also, the chips lack wi-fi capabilities. The publication states that BMW did not specify the number or whereabouts of the affected models. ANE found owners of cars with the defect on forums in the US, France and Italy.
This isn’t a new area for BMW. The chip shortage caused the company to remove touchscreen functionality from models such as the 3 Series and 4 Series . Not only are touchscreens and tech being affected but so is the entire range of motor vehicles. Mini had announced earlier this week that it would stop making models with manual gearboxes to simplify its lineup due to the continuing shortage of semiconductors and supply chain problems.
It is unclear when the supply chain and chip shortage issues will be resolved. In September, BMW and Mercedes forecasted that the chip shortage would last until 2023. The disruption has pushed up car prices and they may not be keen to lower them until chip supplies are normalized. However, this doesn’t seem to be happening soon.
Only March has seen Genesis, Ford and Volkswagen all remove certain features from certain models. Chevy and GMC were forced to halt production. New vehicle launches have also been delayed by the chip shortage, including the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Not even supercars were spared. McLaren had no choice but to delay the Artura due to the shortage. BMW states that customers affected will have their software updated before June 31st. Although it could be frustrating to not have the technology, it is nice that BMW has the ability to perform an over-the air update to add the functionality.