The evolution of technology in new cars is a significant part of their appeal to customers.

Typically, you think of this in terms of the engine, the brakes, or perhaps the audio system and driver interface.

However, a very modern twist is the advent of manufacturer apps for different models, but are drivers really aware of them and making the most of their potential?

Buyers remorse

Almost half of UK motorists are missing out on the benefits of their car manufacturer’s mobile apps, according to new research from comparison site Uswitch.

The survey found that 48% of drivers have never used their car’s official app, despite the majority of those who do use them reporting high satisfaction levels.

These findings highlight a growing disconnect between the rapid digital transformation of the automotive industry and how drivers actually engage with the technology built to support them.
 

Part and parcel

 
Every major car brand, from BMW and Ford to Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, now offers an app designed to make motoring easier, safer, and more connected.
 
Yet the Uswitch study shows that almost two-fifths (37%) of non-users see these apps as unnecessary, while 18% of drivers are unaware that such tools even exist.
 
For many who don’t use them, reasons include incompatibility with older cars (12%) and privacy concerns, specifically how much personal data manufacturers collect (8%).
 
But the apps themselves promise a range of practical features — from remote locking and vehicle tracking to tyre pressure checks, maintenance reminders, and charging status for electric vehicles.
 
Interestingly, when non-users were asked what features they would expect from such apps, their answers mirrored the functions that already exist.
 
This suggests that awareness and digital confidence, rather than functionality, may be hindering drivers’ progress.
 
“Drivers often underestimate how helpful these apps can be in day-to-day car ownership,” said Leoni Moninska, from Uswitch.
 
“Functions like service reminders and security alerts don’t just add convenience — they can save drivers money by preventing breakdowns or theft.”
 

Missing out

 
Despite low uptake, user satisfaction is high.
 
Over three-quarters (79%) of drivers who use their car’s app reported being satisfied with its performance.
 
Popular features among these users include maintenance notifications (45%) and security alerts (38%).
 
Apps from leading manufacturers also rate well on app stores, with MINI, My BMW, Mercedes-Benz, FordPass™, MyToyota, MyŠkoda and My CUPRA all averaging 4.5 stars or more.
 
Moninska says there are several good reasons for drivers to try these apps, from boosting safety to saving on insurance premiums.
 
“Using features like theft detection, remote locking, or vehicle tracking can improve personal safety and reduce the likelihood of a theft-related claim,” she said. “Between June 2024 and June 2025, drivers with a one-year no-claims bonus paid on average 31% less for their annual insurance than those without one.”
 
She also urged drivers to stay on top of app-based maintenance alerts and pay close attention to privacy.
 
“Read the terms carefully, limit app permissions, use strong passwords, and keep your software up to date”.
 

Not convinced

 
Across the motoring world, views on the value of manufacturer apps are mixed.
 
According to a review by ‘We Are Systematic’, the best-rated companion apps — such as BMW’s My BMW and Mercedes me — score highly for reliability and design, while others lag behind due to confusing layouts, laggy performance, or missing features.
 
Some drivers on car forums praise the convenience of remote features, especially for electric vehicles, but others dismiss them as unnecessary gimmicks.
 
“I don’t do remote start, which seems to be the main use for the apps. I didn’t even bother installing the app on my phone,” one Reddit user wrote.
 
Others questioned long-term reliability and data security, warning that older models or discontinued software updates can quickly render connected features useless.
 
Privacy is also a sticking point.
 
With car apps collecting data on everything from location and driving habits to vehicle status, some drivers fear that manufacturers could misuse or overshare that information.
 
Analysts agree that transparency will be key to improving adoption.
 
Industry observers also point out that the usefulness of these apps depends heavily on the type of car and driver.
 
For electric vehicle owners, the ability to monitor charging, pre-condition the cabin, and check battery levels remotely can be invaluable.
 
For drivers of older petrol or diesel cars, however, the value proposition is less clear.
 

The road ahead

 
“Car apps can be worth it — but only if they’re well-designed and you actually use them,” said motoring journalist Adam Turner. “For EV drivers, they’re part of daily life. But for others, they’re still a nice-to-have, not a necessity.”
 
As vehicles become increasingly connected, experts predict that apps will play a bigger role in ownership, from over-the-air software updates to digital keys and predictive maintenance.
 
For now, however, many UK motorists remain unconvinced, perhaps struggling with tech overload.
 
The Uswitch findings suggest cars are becoming smarter, but many of their owners have yet to catch up.
 
Until drivers embrace the technology at their fingertips, the full potential of the connected car may remain untapped.