BYD Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin gain wireless Apple CarPlay

Chinese carmaker BYD has rolled out a long-awaited feature as part of a new over-the-air (OTA) software update to local Atto 3, Seal and Dolphin vehicles.

All BYD vehicles, including the new Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, offered locally now have wireless Apple CarPlay.

Before this update the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal only had a wired version of Apple CarPlay that required you to plug in your iPhone with a USB cable.

However, Android Auto has always been offered in both wired and wireless forms in BYD vehicles.

As pointed out by an Atto 3 owner on a Facebook owner’s group, the new V1.8.0 OTA software update also features optimisations to the Atto 3’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS). These include how frequently the ADAS features trigger, as well as their volume.

We’ve reached out to BYD to understand which ADAS features have been optimised with this particular update. We’ll update this story once we hear back.

Other features added in the V1.8.0 OTA software update to Atto 3 vehicles include a lock/unlock function when the power is on, a new off position for the daytime running lights, a mute function by short pressing the volume wheel when a bluetooth-connected phone rings, as well as a new position function added in the BYD phone app.

There are also new languages for the system and voice assistant.

The BYD Atto 3 electric SUV has been on sale in Australia since late 2022 and recently received some minor tweaks for 2024.

These include new black D-pillar and window trims, as well as a ‘BYD’ badge on the tailgate instead of the ‘Build Your Dreams’ badge.

The Atlas Batman tyres have been ditched in favour of Continentals, while Parkour Red and Forest Green exterior finishes have been dropped in favour of Cosmos Black.

If you buy an Atto 3 in either Cosmos Black or Boulder Grey, the standard pale grey/blue two-tone interior is replaced with a black/blue interior – though the bright red ‘guitar strings’ in the doors remain.

The rotating infotainment touchscreen is now a 15.6-inch unit, up from 12.3 inches.

BYD also says it has added a new camping mode, allowing you to use the air-conditioning while the vehicle is off and the battery is above 20 per cent. There’s also a new karaoke function.

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