In BMW cars, Apple CarPlay – and now Android Auto as well – only works wirelessly, so the Wi-Fi antenna is essential for activating them.
The antenna takes about 10 minutes to fit: in most cars the vent trim and the climate control panel are unclipped, which uncovers the head unit.
❗ To fit the antenna, the back of the head unit needs a port for it. If that port is missing, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cannot be activated yet!