Just found an interesting article (certainly explains why my iPhone works without the adapter)
"No software upgrade is needed if the SET USB and USB OPTIONS items are present in the MEDIAPLAYER menu.
Furthermore, you can plug your Apple media player into the USB port without needing the Blue&Me adapter for iPod and iPhone.
The new function should be available on cars with chassis number higher than:
- Fiat 500 chassis number 504557
- Bravo chassis number 4300440
- Grande Punto 703814/1693432*
- Punto EVO 707377/1700694*"
See HERE
"No software upgrade is needed if the SET USB and USB OPTIONS items are present in the MEDIAPLAYER menu.
Furthermore, you can plug your Apple media player into the USB port without needing the Blue&Me adapter for iPod and iPhone.
The new function should be available on cars with chassis number higher than:
- Fiat 500 chassis number 504557
- Bravo chassis number 4300440
- Grande Punto 703814/1693432*
- Punto EVO 707377/1700694*"
See HERE