BMW shipping cars sans advertised Apple and Google features

The global chip shortage continues to cause problems for the auto industry, as some are shipping vehicles without all of their advertised features.

According to a recent report by automotive news, BMW is shipping some of its new cars without support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In an email to affected customers, the German auto giant confirmed that some vehicles built between January and April of this year contain chips that require updated software in order to be able to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The update will be rolled out by the end of June.

The issue is said to be the result of BMW changing chip supplier in a bid to deal with the shortage in the most efficient way possible. Changing supplier prevented it from suspending shipments while it waited for the chips. Instead, it has been able to add the new supplier's chips and then ship the cars, the only challenge is that it needs to update its software.

It's not clear how many customers and vehicle models are impacted by BMW's decision to ship vehicles without CarPlay and Android Auto.

If BMW can resolve the problem by the end of next month, it shouldn't prove to be too much of a problem for customers. It's better than the automaker holding on to the vehicle until the functions can be added.

When we hear back from BMW, we will update this article.

BMW's decision to ship vehicles without all of the advertised features is similar to moves made by other car companies. The global chip shortage was a factor in Ford's decision to ship some of its Explorer SUVs without certain features, though it promised to add them when the chips become available.

In Ford's case, it meant shipping some of its Explorers without the ability for rear seat controls to operate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, though they are controllable from the driver's seat.

The chip shortage isn't expected to end anytime soon, with Intel's chief saying last month that it could take several more years for his company to get on top of the situation.

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