BYD has long been celebrated for bold interior innovations, especially its rotating display that could switch between vertical and horizontal orientations. But the Chinese automaker has now decided it’s time to retire this signature feature.
While the rotating screen once helped BYD stand out in a crowded EV market, the company sees it as a stepping stone to a smarter, more integrated cabin experience for its next-generation vehicles.
The End of the Rotating Screen Era
BYD confirmed that rotating displays will be removed from all upcoming models, starting with the BYD Atto 2, with plans to extend this across the entire lineup.
Even though drivers loved the novelty of a screen that could pivot, usage data showed that most rarely took advantage of the feature in real life.
Modern Apps Demand a Fixed Screen
According to Stella Li, BYD’s Vice President, the rotating screen no longer meets the demands of modern apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which work only in horizontal mode. What was once a fun gimmick had become a practical limitation.
She explained, “Customers appreciated the rotating screens, but usage was minimal. As we adopt more advanced apps and services, a fixed horizontal layout isn’t optional anymore—it’s necessary.”
From now on, all BYD vehicles will come with landscape-oriented screens, delivering a cleaner, more seamless user experience.
Why the Shift Makes Sense Now
Vertical orientation was handy for maps or when parked, but drivers found horizontal screens more intuitive and familiar. A fixed layout also makes it easier to develop software, reduces glitches, and supports BYD’s next-generation infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems.
It also aligns with BYD’s growing partnerships with tech giants like Google and Apple, making integration smoother and more reliable.
Looking Ahead: Europe and Beyond
This interior redesign coincides with BYD’s ambitious expansion plans in Europe for 2026:
Doubling sales points for new vehicles
Reaching 1,000 dealerships
Strengthening its position in fiercely competitive EV markets
BYD isn’t just adapting—it’s asserting itself as a global EV powerhouse, setting its own rules and showing it can compete with the best in the world.
