There has been a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the new "lightning" connector integrated into Apple Inc.'s latest iPhone 5. The popular smartphone and music player family has shared the same 30-pin interface since debuting in 2001, which has made upgrading between models easier as any 3rd party purchases would still dock with the 30-pin plug. But drivers of new BMW vehicles in the Saint Petersburg area have been wondering: will this new iPhone work with their BMW and the numerous mobile apps available in iDrive?

Thankfully, Bert Smith BMW has the answer: a resounding "Yes!" BMW iDrive and the accompanying BMW Connected iOS app both operate properly to play music, display tweets and present friend's status updates. Granted, the iPhone 5 will not fit the snap-in adapter so there is no support for stationary video, but with a proper Lightning to USB cable adapter, the next evolution iPhone will indeed send its contents to one's BMW.

So that's the news! Any iPhone 5 and ConnectedDrive-enabled BMW model can pair up thanks to the aforementioned cable adapter. One BMWBLOG reviewer confirms the test finding by noting, "After BMWBLOG's own testing...I am happy to report the iPhone 5 is fully functional with BMW Apps, including graphics displayed while using the iPod function for music media and graphics display perfectly for Pandora, Facebook and Twitter."¹

We expect that BMW will take the proper steps to integrate an iPhone 5 snap-in adapter which allows for video output in the future, but at least we can clear up any uncertainty regarding other connectivity between the phone and auto. Check back in on the Bert Smith BMW blog often or subscribe via your favorite RSS reader. When news arrives regarding a iPhone 5 snap-in adapter, our Florida readers will be quick to know.

Source: ¹http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/10/09/bmwblog-update-bmw-apps-and-the-new-iphone-5/