The Actual Reason BYD Is Discontinuing Its Rotating Screens | Carscoops

      The conclusion of BYD's rotating infotainment display signifies a transition towards more streamlined and connected automotive technology.

      BYD has confirmed that the rotating screens will be phased out, beginning with the new Atto 2. Current BYD models are unable to utilize Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in vertical orientation. The brand's vice president indicated that very few drivers actually made use of the rotating display.

      When BYD made its entrance into the global market a few years ago, it did so with an experimental approach that was hard to overlook, highlighted by its infotainment display capable of rotating 90 degrees to function in both portrait and landscape orientations.

      Although largely seen as a novelty, this feature helped differentiate the brand's vehicles from competitors. Nonetheless, the Chinese company has announced that the spinning screen will soon be discontinued.

      According to BYD’s vice president, Stella Li, while customers appreciated the rotating screen, it posed limitations for certain applications, especially Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

      Consequently, the automaker has decided to eliminate this feature in the Atto 2 and will phase it out of other models as well. Going forward, the screens will be fixed in landscape mode.

      “We are starting to engage with numerous apps,” Li told Autocar. “The Atto 2 will be the first model to feature Google and Apple CarPlay. To provide the best experience, a rotating screen would restrict their app functionality. Additionally, our market research indicated that while people enjoy the rotating screens, their actual usage is very minimal.”

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      BYD states that its infotainment display is easier to use in portrait mode when stationary and during driving, particularly for navigation purposes.

      However, in our experience with the models, we consistently found operating the screen in landscape mode to be more user-friendly, likely due to this being the norm in most contemporary vehicles. Moreover, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only operate in this orientation.

      In the same interview, Li mentioned that BYD intends to enhance its partnerships with companies like Apple and Google, and fixing the screen orientation streamlines this collaboration. A stationary display allows for fewer compromises in the interface and enables smoother integration.

      BYD is also intensifying its global ambitions. The company plans a significant expansion in Europe by 2026. This week, its regional managing director revealed intentions to double the brand's retail presence across the continent in the upcoming year, aiming for roughly 1,000 retail locations.