The Fort Worth Press - BYD Drops Rotating Screens in New Models Due to Tech Limits

BYD is abandoning the rotating central infotainment screens that have become a signature feature of its vehicles, replacing them with fixed horizontal displays in new models sold globally. The shift impacts recent and upcoming launches, including the plug-in hybrid Atto 2 and the Song Pro SUV line for the 2027 model year.

The company’s decision follows an internal review of how customers actually use the technology. While the electronic rotating screen initially gained viral attention on social media upon BYD's entry into markets like Brazil, the automaker concluded that most users keep the display in landscape mode. More critically, BYD identified significant technical limitations that render the rotating mechanism incompatible with essential connectivity features.

The primary obstacle is the inability to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay when the screen is oriented vertically. These smartphone mirroring systems are required for full access to vehicle-native functions but do not support vertical layouts. Additionally, the rollout of Google Assistant, which allows users to download navigation and music apps, further necessitated a fixed horizontal interface, as the assistant operates exclusively in that orientation.

BYD stated that maintaining the rotating system became counterproductive to providing a functional user experience. The automaker is prioritizing an optimized interface that supports these critical digital services over the novelty of screen rotation.

This transition explains why current models such as the Song Plus, Shark pickup, and Seal still retain their 15.6-inch rotating screens. These vehicles cannot yet support the Google Assistant interface. BYD indicated that when these existing models are updated to include the new assistant functionality, they will also lose the rotating screen capability.

J.P.Cortez--TFWP