BYD Atto 3 software update brings Android Auto, joining Apple CarPlay

UPDATE: BYD Atto 3 receives Android Auto update

The BYD Atto 3 now features wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto almost a year after its launch.

BYD Auto Australia has introduced wireless Android Auto to the Atto 3 electric SUV in its latest V1.5 software update.

Customer emails and a social media post [↗] from the company confirmed the smartphone projection feature for any non-Apple iPhone users to take advantage of the Google-powered user interface, phone, audio and navigation apps on the Atto 3’s 12.8-inch touchscreen.

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Photo via Joe Calibratorx

Unlike wired-only Apple CarPlay, added earlier this year, Android Auto can connect wirelessly or wired.

The latest over-the-air update also includes other minor improvements.

However, some owners on social media have complained of connection issues with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to voice control, radio, and adaptive cruise control bugs.

The free over-the-air software update has been rolling out to existing owners since last week, according to an owner's group.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were originally promised to be added late last year when the BYD Atto 3 was first launched in Australia.

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January 26, 2023: Android Auto appears confirmed

EVDirect has updated the BYD Atto 3 online brochure, seemingly confirming wireless Android Auto capability will be added in the second quarter (April to June inclusive) this year.

Unlike Apple CarPlay, Android smartphone users benefit from cable-free connectivity. Both were previously promised to arrive in late 2022 at launch.

Android Auto will likely be rolled out via an over-the-air software update for existing owners in gradual stages.

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WhichCar has contacted BYD importer, EVDirect, for comment, and this article will be updated if any new information comes to light

Our previous story, below, continues unchanged.

December 2022: The BYD Atto 3 electric crossover is set to receive Apple CarPlay smartphone projection capabilities in early 2023, but there’s no word yet on Android Auto.

“Apple CarPlay will be sent to customers via an over-the-air [OTA] update in batches throughout the months of January and February 2023 and will come as standard with all new BYD Atto 3s from late January 2023 onwards,” EVDirect CEO Luke Todd told EFTM.

The local distributor said it's currently in the final stages of testing and regulatory approvals to launch CarPlay for Atto 3 owners who use an Apple iPhone, and will contact customers on when they can expect the OTA to land on their vehicles.

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The system is already implemented on its press vehicle fleet, revealing that Apple CarPlay fills the full 12.8-inch horizontal infotainment screen – but does not adapt its orientation when the display is rotated to portrait mode.

Unlikely many other new models entering the market (although certainly not most), the BYD electric car still requires a cable to connect and use CarPlay.

According to a now outdated brochure currently on the company’s website, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were promised to launch in the third quarter (July to September) of 2022.

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While it’s unclear when Android smartphone users will be able to enjoy similar functionality with the Atto 3, zecar reported EVDirect previously publishing a brochure outlining that Android Auto would be wireless.

The last OTA software update was pushed in late September bringing built-in navigation powered by Nokia’s open-source Here Technologies, a Spotify music streaming app and a BYD voice assistant to its ​​DiLink infotainment system.

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How much is the BYD Atto 3?

The BYD Atto 3 was subject to a price rise of $3630 this month, which saw it surrender the title of Australia’s cheapest electric car to the MG ZS EV.

The Atto 3 starts from $48,011 before on-road costs and incentives with one fully-specified model and two battery sizes offering up to 345km and 420km of claimed WLTP range on the Standard Range and Extended Range battery respectively.