Updated Autoblog article says this will apply to 2019 & 2020 models:
"Update: BMW tells us that this change is taking place "immediately." All 2019 and 2020 models equipped with Apple CarPlay will not have to pay an annual subscription, BMW says. There's still no official word on refunds for folks who already paid."
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/12/04/...apple-carplay/