What is Audi MMI? Versions, features and adding CarPlay

The screen, the knob and the computer behind them — and what each generation can take.

Short answer: MMI (Multi Media Interface) is Audi's infotainment system: the screen in the dash, the control knob on the center console and the head unit behind them. It runs the radio, media, navigation, phone and car settings. Audi has shipped several generations — MMI 2G, 3G, 3G+ and the newer MIB — and each one takes different upgrades.

What MMI does

Audi introduced MMI in 2002 on the A8 and spread it across the range. The idea is one controller for everything: instead of a separate radio, navigation and phone with their own buttons, the driver uses one knob and a handful of keys around it to move through menus on one screen.

On a typical MMI car:

the screen sits in the dash — on many models it folds away or closes when not in use;
the control knob with buttons around it sits on the center console;
the head unit, the computer that does the work, is out of sight — on A4, A5 and Q5 of 2009–2016 it is behind the glove box.

Cars without MMI have a Concert or Symphony radio instead: a radio with its own small screen and buttons and no knob on the console.

MMI generations at a glance

Version	Years	How to recognize it
MMI 2G	2005–2008	Dash screen, console knob, older graphics
MMI 3G	2009–2012	Sharper screen, 2D maps
MMI 3G+	2010–2016	3D terrain maps, the knob doubles as a joystick
MIB / MIB II	2016+	Slim wide screen, Google-Earth-style maps, often Virtual Cockpit

Years overlap between models. The Audi MMI versions guide shows photos of each screen so you can match yours in 30 seconds.

What older MMI can't do

MMI 2G, 3G and 3G+ were built before smartphones took over the dashboard. They have no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, maps that are years out of date, and Bluetooth that handles calls but often not music or apps. A backup camera was an expensive option, and many cars were built without one.

That is the gap retrofit kits fill.

Adding CarPlay and a camera to MMI

A retrofit interface plugs in between the MMI head unit and its own connector. It adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on the factory screen, and you control it with the factory knob. Everything Audi built in — radio, factory navigation, car settings — keeps working.

CarPlay retrofit for MMI 3G and 3G+
Backup camera interface for MMI 3G / RMC
CarPlay + camera bundle for MMI 3G
For MIB / MIB II: CarPlay retrofit and B9 backup camera interface
For Concert / Symphony cars: CarPlay retrofit

Nothing is cut or coded, and the kit unplugs if you sell the car or end a lease.

Frequently asked

What does MMI stand for?

Multi Media Interface — Audi's name for its combined radio, navigation, phone and settings system.

Does my Audi have MMI?

If there is a rotary knob with buttons around it on the center console, yes. If everything is controlled from buttons on the radio itself, the car has a Concert or Symphony radio.

Can I update MMI to get CarPlay?

On MMI 2G, 3G and 3G+ no software update adds CarPlay — it needs an interface. Some MIB II cars had CarPlay as a factory option; on those it may only need activating.

Is MMI 3G+ better than MMI 3G?

3G+ has 3D terrain maps and a joystick knob. For CarPlay and camera retrofits both take the same kits.

Not sure which MMI is in your car? Send us a photo of your dashboard and we confirm the kit within one business day.