Wireless Car Play not working on iOS27 (or 26) with BMW iDrive7

Thank you kindly for your prompt reply. Wondering how long since the newest car firmware version was released ... maybe another is on the way soon ?

Here's what I found on the BMW Support website (although it doesn't say how long ago the last update ws released.):

"To update the firmware (software) for BMW iDrive 7, use the Remote Software Upgrade feature. This allows your BMW to receive new functions, enhancements, and quality improvements over-the-air. Here’s how you can manage and install updates:

• Ensure you have an active ConnectedDrive contract, the integrated SIM card is activated, and the vehicle has cellular network reception.
• Consent for data transmission must be given in the Data Protection menu.
• To check for updates manually: Go to the iDrive menu, select "My Vehicle" > "Software" > "Search for updates" and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Updates can be downloaded automatically, via the My BMW App, or over Wi-Fi. Once downloaded, installation can be started from the same menu.
• The installation process takes about 20–30 minutes, during which the vehicle cannot be used.
• After installation, your Owner’s Handbook and the BMW Driver’s Guide App will be updated with the latest information.

For additional details, please refer to the appropriate BMW Driver's Guide especially for your BMW, or the BMW Driver's Guide App.

If you encounter issues or need further assistance, contact your authorised BMW Service Partner."

So I asked on the BMW website, using their Support link:

"Screen is blank when iPhone with iOS 27 is connected.

how to access CarPlay properly"

Here is the answer that appeared:

(NB: Have no idea how reliable this (AI ?) info. may be)

"If your BMW screen is blank when connecting your iPhone with iOS 27 for CarPlay, follow these steps to access CarPlay properly:

• Ensure your iPhone is compatible (iPhone 5 or newer, iOS 9.3 or later) and that Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Siri are enabled on your iPhone and in the vehicle.
• Make sure CarPlay is activated on your iPhone.
• If the iPhone was previously paired, delete the iPhone from the BMW’s device list and remove the BMW from your iPhone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. Then, pair the iPhone as a new device.
• To pair: In your BMW, go to "COM" > "Mobile devices" > "New device" > "Phone calls and audio." Select your BMW on your iPhone, confirm the control number, and choose "Use Apple CarPlay."
• If the screen remains blank, reset the BMW Operating System by holding the volume button for about 30 seconds until the screen goes black, then try reconnecting.
• If issues persist, reset network settings on your iPhone ("Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings") and reconnect.
• For further troubleshooting, remove all paired devices from both the vehicle and iPhone, then set up the connection again.
• If CarPlay still does not display, contact an authorised BMW Service Partner for assistance and possible software updates.

For more details, refer to the BMW Driver's Guide or the BMW Driver's Guide App.

Further information on CarPlay compatibility: Apple CarPlay official site "

Re: "Wireless Car Play not working on iOS27 (or 26) with BMW iDrive7" ... "The phone says it’s connected and paired but will not show on screen."

If you haven't already:

Try checking for a firmware update for the vehicle's stereo / infotainment system, (The vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's support website likely has firmware update info.) The firmware may need to remain compatible with your up-to-date iPhone.

Again: If you haven't seen it already:

If CarPlay isn't working as you would expect it to, Apple Support's troulbe-shooting article (link below) may help:

Find out what to do: If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support

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Re: "Please fix this urgently Apple. Whatever you did on iOS26 has really messed around with CarPlay which many people have come to rely on now."

We are all Apple users, just as you are, in the community. Some of us do what we can to assist each other. Apple is unlikely to see your post to us here.

It seems clear that not everyone has issues after updating to iOS27. With many different makes & models of vehicles in use, one solution does not fit all, when a new iOS version is released ... a firmware update, a setting change, turning off a VPN so it doesn't interfere ... these and other solutions have all worked in individual cases.

Various people have solved their particular CarPlay issue in various ways, (without Apple providing a particular "fix"), while others do still struggle.

Eg: Discussion thread:

iOS 27 CarPlay not working after update o… - Apple Community

Apple provides a feedback website, welcomes feedback, and carefully reads and logs feedback.

The more info. Apple receives on which vehicles, iPhone models, and iOS versions, are affected, the more likely the issue will be addressed in an update, if it is an issue Apple is responsible for.

You might consider providing info. on your CarPlay experience:

Apple's Feedback Website: Product Feedback - Apple

Hi everybody. I have an Activetourer xe225 owner, basically a tender to your car 🙂 but I experienced the same issue.

it seems it is not an iOS 27.2 bug. It seems just an Apple’s different way to manage security problem

Try to go on settings - screen time (sorry I am am roughly translating from the Italian settings) - content and privacy restrictions

I had to turn on content and privacy restriction and then in always allowed I turned on apple car play and it worked!

i hope it may help 🙂

I am having the same issue with BMW iDrive 7. The iPhone connects and shows as paired, Bluetooth and Wi Fi are connected, but CarPlay does not appear on the BMW screen.

I have already tried removing and re pairing the phone, resetting the network settings and restarting the iDrive system. The BMW software is also up to date, so this does not seem to be a simple pairing or firmware issue.

What makes this particularly frustrating is that CarPlay worked before the iOS update. After updating the iPhone, the connection is established but the CarPlay interface never appears.

Hopefully Apple and BMW can look into the compatibility between iOS 27 and iDrive 7, because the usual troubleshooting steps do not solve the problem for everyone.

Thank you for joining the discussion, and for sharing your experience with us.

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Re: "Hopefully Apple and BMW can look into the compatibility between iOS 27 and iDrive 7, ..."

Does Apple know of this particular issue ?

You might consider providing info. on your CarPlay experience:

Apple's Feedback Website: Product Feedback - Apple

BMW also says:

"For the latest compatibility details and update schedules, please refer to the official BMW Apple CarPlay information or contact the BMW Customer Support Team."

Thank you for your reply, can confirm car firmware is up to date but issue persists. Thanks

Thanks @brbo, I’ve now tried all of these steps and still no joy sadly. Really appreciate your efforts though thank you!

Commiserations! Thank you kindly for your thoughtful reply!