[cars4enjoying]

One thing to consider when we start to see this type of integration is hopefully easier updates. Being able to fix the silly issues that plague lower volume cars like McLaren would be a real benefit I would like to see.

The reason why CarPlay is such a wanted feature IMO has many factors but familiarity and regular updates fixing issues and updating maps that evolve over time are some of the ones high on the list.

 

[cars4enjoying]

That is a concern to be sure @gsxrian there's already precedent to that with BMW charging a subscription for heated seats which is disgusting, its hardware built in and there is no excuse to charge for access to something that already exists.

There's a right and a wrong way to provide features as a service and the example above is absolutely the wrong way. The right way is for items which add value and have a clear cost to provide. If I saw a manufacture trying to charge me to unlock a hardware feature the car already had simply wouldn't buy from them on principle as that's a slippery slope to you not owning the item you paid for and have in your possession.

 

[cars4enjoying]

I'm not sure what the big deal is here. It's really no different than leasing a car, for example, or renting any other sort of equipment. It's probably more cost-effective for the manufacturer to make all cars the same, then add options using software switches at the time of purchase, maybe give the buyer the choice of buying the option outright, or renting it to spread the cost.

I can definitely understand that perspective, the option to buy outright or spread the cost definitely has it's merits for some. I must admit I didn't spot the Unlimited option when I last looked, possibly it's changed based on customer feedback.

I do however wonder if it's a way to try and make more money from customers in what could be seen as underhand way. I would also wonder if these types of services include extra warrantee. For example the heated seats if a customer is paying for that option monthly and they fail but is out of standard warrantee does the subscription extend that component so you still get a free repair?