iPhone iOS 11.2.6 vs BMW iDrive Bluetooth playback problem

The iOS vs iDrive problem, which was resolved in 11.1 is back!


I can initiate and accept calls, but I can't control the music player from the iDrive, if I start to play music from my phone manually, I can't even change a track.


This annoying problem came up with iOS 10 and 11.0 already but was fixed around 11.1 if I remember correctly. iOS 11.2.5 and 11.2.6 ended up with the same issue, what's more the timing order of iMessages is messed up again.


I tried to "forget" the device and pair it again, also do a restart, did not help. Does anyone have any clue?


I'm really fed up with Apple touching old apps and while improving one, messing up five others with random issues. Please Apple fix this ASAP!!!!!!! Thank you

iPhone 6s, iOS 11.2.6

Posted on Feb 26, 2018 6:16 AM

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Posted on Feb 26, 2018 6:33 AM

Apple's software updates mean that the phone is no longer on the same page as your older BMW software. By updating the car's software, you'll be able to enjoy all of the features of the Apple software.


Here's how to update your car so it will go back to working properly: BMW Software Update – BMW

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7 replies

Mar 2, 2018 4:58 AM in response to gt42supra

gt42supra wrote:


I am having issues as well. I have a 2009 BMW iDrive system that cannot be updated via USB. I cannot change tracks with the steering wheel controls anymore after updating. Had no issues with the previous iOS version. Apple please fix this issue!!

If it cannot be updated via USB, you would do well to have the BMW dealer do the update for you.


The idea that Apple would release software updates that work in millions of devices but not your specific make and model speaks to the BMW software, not the Apple software. However, if you are convinced that 2 BMWs are right and hundreds of thousands of other cars are wrong, it may be your best course to just wait for "...Apple please fix this issue!!..."

Mar 2, 2018 10:10 AM in response to Domjanlaci

No one is asking you to change your car. The issue is this: your outdated software has two problems.


1) The first is that it needs to be updated to match the newer software that runs your phone.

2.) The second is that it thinks it is the latest and greatest version of the software and is giving you a display that says so.


I contend that nothing Apple put out would make your car stop working. However, if you want your car to work properly with your iPhones, you'd do well to update the car's software. Operating system technology is no longer a "years at a time" improvement path. It is now months, days, even hours at a time for improvements. Your refusal to even speak to your dealer or do some basic research speaks to the likelihood that you *will* end up choosing a lower-end technology.


And that's a shame.

Feb 26, 2018 6:51 AM in response to Stuart423

Thanks but NO. This is the first thing I checked, my car has the latest iDrive version available (see screenshot).

Someone recommended the same when I brought it up at iOS 10, then somehow Apple fixed it, not BMW. Then I updated the iOS and it went wrong again. At least Apple should warn us that it may not work anymore!


This is definitely an Apple problem, NOT an iDrive issue. It still works perfectly with Android.

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iPhone iOS 11.2.6 vs BMW iDrive Bluetooth playback problem

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