BMW iDrive 9 confirmed for 2023 market launch – report

It’s been almost two years since BMW introduced the iDrive Operating System (OS) 8.0. It is reportedly planning to replace it this year, with the catch being that only certain models will receive it.

As reported by BMWBlog, the Android-based iDrive 9.0 will feature a new user interface, new functions and an app store for the first time. However, BMW has not released any official images of this new infotainment operating system.

It will reportedly debut in new X1 models that will be produced from March. It was previously reported that BMW would be introducing an Android Automotive operating system for certain model lines around this time.

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Existing examples of the X1 will reportedly feature a Linux-based infotainment system, like the rest of BMW’s current range, and won’t be able to get the full iDrive 9.0.

Instead, they’re reportedly getting what’s called an iDrive 8.5 system update over-the-air, which looks exactly like iDrive 9.0 but lacks the App Store functionality. It is unclear what other changes there will be.

Should this prove correct, iDrive 8.5 will be available for current vehicles such as iX, i4, XM, X7, 2 Series, 3 Series, 7 Series and i7.

The last vehicle to reportedly launch with a Linux-based infotainment system and iDrive 8.5 will be the upcoming 5 Series with its all-electric i5 counterpart.

Stephen Durach, BMW’s Head of Connected Digital Car Experience, told BMWBlog that in addition to the X1, upcoming vehicles that will receive the Android-based iDrive 9.0 include the new-generation X2 “coupe” SUV, as well as the Mini Hatch new generation Mini Aceman.

BMW isn’t the first to announce that its cars will get the Android Automotive OS.

The technology was first used in the Polestar 2 and has since been used in vehicles such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, GMC Hummer EV and Renault Megane E-Tech Electric.

In February 2021, Ford Motor Company announced that it was partnering with Google to implement Android Automotive OS in Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2023.

Volvo also announced in April 2022 that all of its car models starting with model year 2023 will have Android Automotive OS.

It’s worth noting that Android Automotive isn’t the same as Android Auto, which has been around for a while.

Android Auto runs on your smartphone and displays apps and notifications on your car display, while Android Automotive is the infotainment operating system itself and does not require your smartphone to be connected.

Though Google seems unrivaled with its Android Automotive OS, Apple is hot on its heels with a next-gen version of Apple CarPlay that will offer deeper integration into areas like the digital instrument cluster and climate control.

Apple announced this at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last year and has already confirmed that Audi, Ford, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo are working on the system to integrate next-generation vehicles into your company.

The first cars with this next-generation Apple CarPlay system will be available in late 2023, although it’s not yet clear if it will be phone-only or more deeply integrated into the vehicle.

MORE: BMW to debut Android automotive infotainment in 2023