"OS X": BMW causes confusion with operating system names
The next BMW platform gets a new operating system. Apple users are experiencing déjà vu.
BMW iDrive: Interesting choice of name.
(Image: BMW)
Apple and BMW are actually good partners. For example, the Munich-based car manufacturer was the first company to integrate Wireless CarPlay into its vehicles and was also an early adopter of iPhone car keys. However, there were some nasty problems with certain iPhones and Qi charging cradles in the limousines from Bavaria in 2023 –, but Apple fortunately remedied this with a software update. Nevertheless, BMW and Apple could now be at each other's feet: in terms of trademark law. This is because BMW's new iDrive operating system has a well-known name: The manufacturer abbreviates its "BMW Operating System X" to "OS X".
Familiar name, different product
BMW presented the system, which is intended for the so-called New Class, a revised technical platform, at the CES in Las Vegas. The naming is quite logical, as this is the 10th incarnation of the operating system. A mock-up of a driver's cab with OS X and the "Panoramic iDrive" including head-up display (HUD) was on show at the CES. Ironically, BMW's OS X, like its predecessor systems, is based on Google's Android Open Source Project.
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"The BMW Operating System X will not only make our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, but it will also enable much more personalization and make every new BMW your very own," says BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk. The software for the display and operating concept was developed in-house. A "software-defined vehicle" has been created.
What OS X was at Apple
Apple has given its Mac operating system various names over the years. Initially, the software was called Mac OS X, then abbreviated to OS X, and finally – as it was in the very early days – macOS. In the meantime, the X (which also stands for 10) has been dropped, as Apple has exceeded the version number and has now reached release 15 for macOS Sequoia. Nevertheless, some users may immediately feel reminded of Apple when they hear "OS X".
Apple started using OS X (without Mac) in 2012 with Mountain Lion. From 2016, the company then switched to macOS – with macOS 10.12 Sierra in order to achieve alignment with other systems such as iOS, watchOS and tvOS. From 2020, it then continued with version number 11 (for Big Sur), the 10 (aka X) lost its significance. Whether BMW will now get into trouble with Apple is unclear. The company is actually rather aggressive when it comes to defending trademark rights. However, BMW could rely on the fact that the company abbreviates the operating system in its marketing materials as "Operating System X". However, the term "OS X" was also used at the CES. Mac & i has asked BMW what its position is on the trademark issue and will update this article as soon as we receive a response.
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