Remember when rotating touchscreens in cars were marketed as the next big thing? It looked futuristic, sure — but most people barely used it. Now one major automaker has decided to ditch the gimmick altogether, choosing practicality and connectivity over flashy design.
BYD drops its rotating touchscreen
Chinese automaker BYD — now one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands — has confirmed it’s phasing out the rotating touchscreen that once made its cars stand out. The feature allowed drivers to flip the central display 90 degrees, switching between landscape and portrait modes depending on their preference.
It sounded clever at launch: a vertical layout made maps easier to read, while a horizontal setup offered a wider view for entertainment and settings. The system appeared on everything from the budget-friendly Dolphin Surf to the BYD Atto 2 SUV. But as it turns out, hardly anyone was using it.
According to BYD vice president Stella Li, the feature looked great in marketing materials but didn’t serve much purpose in everyday driving. “We want the best possible experience with connected apps,” she explained, “and the rotating screen doesn’t help achieve that. In fact, very few customers actually used it.”
Why the feature had to go
The problem wasn’t just limited use — it was also compatibility. Popular systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are designed for fixed displays. When a screen physically rotates, it forces the software to adjust orientation in real time, which can cause lag and glitches.
In short, the tech couldn’t keep up with the gimmick. And with most drivers relying on Google Maps or Apple Music rather than in-car apps, the priority has shifted to ensuring these third-party systems work flawlessly.
This move aligns with BYD’s broader push toward universal connectivity, a key part of its digital strategy as it expands into Europe and other global markets.
A focus on practicality and performance
The first model to abandon the rotating screen is the updated BYD Atto 2, which now features a fixed 12.4-inch landscape display. The change comes alongside other meaningful upgrades — a range boost to 430 km and faster 150 kW charging speeds.
The company says the simplified interface will also support new features tied to autonomous driving and advanced connectivity. These systems require stable, standardized displays that can integrate seamlessly with navigation, cameras, and safety tools.
It’s a slight design change, but it reflects a bigger philosophy: less show, more substance. As Li puts it, “Interfaces should adapt to real-world use, not just look impressive.”
A glimpse into the future of in-car tech
BYD’s decision mirrors a broader trend in the automotive world. As vehicles become more software-driven, carmakers are focusing on compatibility, ease of use, and cross-platform integration instead of niche hardware gimmicks.
In fact, analysts from Counterpoint Research estimate that by 2026, more than 90% of new cars will feature either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — meaning that connectivity is no longer optional, but essential.
For drivers, that’s excellent news. Whether you’re streaming music, checking directions, or making a call, your car’s screen will finally behave like an extension of your phone — not a novelty item.
So while the rotating display might soon be a thing of the past, its retirement signals a future where our cars are smarter, smoother, and genuinely easier to use.
