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CarPlay Now Available in All 2017 Ford Vehicles Equipped With SYNC 3

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Ford has announced that its SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes CarPlay and Android Auto, is now available across its entire 2017 lineup of cars, SUVs, light trucks, and electric vehicles in the United States.

Ford-SYNC-3-CarPlay.jpg

The expansion brings CarPlay to already-released 2017 models such as the Fusion, Mustang, and Explorer, while other models like the 2017 F-150, Focus, Edge, and Super Duty will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year.

Ford confirmed in January that it would be adding CarPlay and Android Auto to all of its 2017 vehicles in North America equipped with BlackBerry's QNX-based SYNC 3 platform, starting with the 2017 Escape in May.

Ford has also added Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather, and AAA member services to SYNC AppLink.

ford_siri_eyes_free.jpg

In December, Ford retroactively added Siri Eyes Free support to 5 million 2011-2016 vehicles through a SYNC 3.8 software update. The automaker says more than 15 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road worldwide today, although that figure likely includes older SYNC platforms incompatible with CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ford is also adding CarPlay and Android Auto to its 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 this year.

CarPlay brings Maps, Phone, Messages, Music, Podcasts, and a number of third-party apps, such as Spotify, to a vehicle's dashboard. Apple's in-car software platform can be controlled with Siri and your vehicle's built-in controls for convenient access to common iPhone features. It is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models.

CarPlay widely launched in the second half of 2015, and the rollout has extended to several large automakers this year, including Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep; BMW and Nissan; and Hyundai and Kia. CarPlay is now available in over 100 new 2016 and 2017 models, while two notable holdouts include Toyota and Mazda.

Article Link: CarPlay Now Available in All 2017 Ford Vehicles Equipped With SYNC 3
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/07/25/carplay-all-2017-ford-vehicles/
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According to Fords Sync owners website the 2016 cars will require a hardware update, this was not what we were told when we bought the car. Reading the boards other ford owners had the same thing told to them and now are up in arms about it. I hope Ford clarifies as the sync website you log into says it is not just over the air.
 
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AppLvr4Life said:
According to Fords Sync owners website the 2016 cars will require a hardware update, this was not what we were told when we bought the car. Reading the boards other ford owners had the same thing told to them and now are up in arms about it. I hope Ford clarifies as the sync website you log into says it is not just over the air.
Click to expand...

Uuuuugggghhhh What could possible require a hardware update? It already runs a quad core CPU... I'm NOT happy about that
 
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brock2621 said:
Uuuuugggghhhh What could possible require a hardware update? It already runs a quad core CPU... I'm NOT happy about that
Click to expand...

No idea. My ford service tech is trying to get information for me. The only thing he "thinks" is it could be is something related to USB 3? But I told him I don't see how...
 
I got a 2013 Toyota Prius v about 2 years ago. The only thing I can say I hate about it is the audio/GPS system software. The GPS is junk for something that was available in 2013 in a car that retailed for $35,000 in a audio/GPS unit that I discovered retails for about $3,000. Yah. Toyota wanted to push this Entune nonsense that works about as well as you would expect from something like that from an automaker.

Automakers really need to give up on thinking they know anything about audio. Anybody who has pulled coffee filters termed "factory speakers" out of every car they've owned knows this. I've replaced the big speakers (not those in the dash) and added an amplifier and subwoofer. That almost makes up for everything, but I still have to basically use my phone and watch to do things like GPS instead of getting a much bigger display to see this on.

If not for all of the info I get about the hybrid system -- oh, and not to mention I doubt I would know what I'm doing -- I'd love to rip that thing out and put in a CarPlay system. But alas I'm just dealing with what I've got now. I'm worried about the future when I want to get a Tesla Model III and not knowing whether those are any better.
 
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great news! After years at failing at interface, glad they accepted reality.

Let's hope all car manufactures give options. BMW system was disappointing, and entunes is a complete joke
 
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I hear people criticizing cars in general, but I still think they are amazing.

When I get in my car in the middle of a scorching summer day, when the sun has been shining directly onto the dash/electronic controls/screen for the past x hours and they are so hot they would burn your hands almost to touch them, or in the middle of winter, when it's below zero and almost frozen, you put they key in the ignition and all all just works, screen powers up, everything.

Think of an Apple product in the sun, gives up working.
Think it's amazing how cars and their equipment are so well made and designed to keep working no matter what is thrown at them.
 
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After using CarPlay on a couple of rental cars over the past couple of weeks I'm not impressed.

It's a very poor system and it also takes away a lot of functionality from the native car systems. You're also locked to the absolutely terrible Apple Maps which gives the most dreadful routes, and very often, Spotify or TuneIn refuse to work resulting in the need to disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

Messages are also a chore as Siri sucks when there is any cabin noise in the car.

However most importantly, touch screen interfaces suck in cars. They are insanely dangerous when travelling at speed as they require you to change your driving posture and lean forward, removing a lot of control from the steering wheel.

Apple must do the following to make it a good option:
  • FULL integration with the car
    • Car computer (MPG, avg speed, etc...)
    • Basic items where they are not visible on the dash such as outside temperature.
    • Set-up of car systems.
    • Service information
  • Ability to use another GPS program such as Google Maps or Sygic, etc....
  • Improve Siri when there is a lot of ambient noise
  • Allow integration with physical dials.
One user noted how the BMW iDrive system was useless, but of all the systems I've used, this is the absolute best once you get used to the iDrive interface knob. I can control my system in seconds and dial numbers safely without looking away from my screen.

The interface is also miles better and more flexible than CarPlay too and I find it much safer to use.

Perhaps a personal view but every person I let try out the CarPlay in my two rental cars thought it was a pile of crap.
 
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With even holdout Ford getting this fine Apple product, it appears that Mac Rumors will be the last to get CarPlay.

:(
 
We were told that too - as long as it had sync 3. 2016 Flex from March 2016

If Ford doesn't offer this as promised, I'll be done with them. I gave them another chance after 17 years of no Fords, but will not do so again if they pull this. I know Ford doesn't care about individual customers, but the individual customers add up which is why GM, Ford and Chrysler got their clocks cleaned by the likes of Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, and MB etc.

We're about to replace our Lexus RX - looks like a GLS-450 from Mercedes and no Explorer.

The nice thing is I just got one of those surveys about the new car and it will reflect what Ford does here.


AppLvr4Life said:
According to Fords Sync owners website the 2016 cars will require a hardware update, this was not what we were told when we bought the car. Reading the boards other ford owners had the same thing told to them and now are up in arms about it. I hope Ford clarifies as the sync website you log into says it is not just over the air.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Piggie said:
I hear people criticizing cars in general, but I still think they are amazing.

When I get in my car in the middle of a scorching summer day, when the sun has been shining directly onto the dash/electronic controls/screen for the past x hours and they are so hot they would burn your hands almost to touch them, or in the middle of winter, when it's below zero and almost frozen, you put they key in the ignition and all all just works, screen powers up, everything.

Think of an Apple product in the sun, gives up working.
Think it's amazing how cars and their equipment are so well made and designed to keep working no matter what is thrown at them.
Click to expand...

I get it, but car user software tends to be rubbish compared to what we are used to on our iPhones.
 
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AppLvr4Life said:
According to Fords Sync owners website the 2016 cars will require a hardware update, this was not what we were told when we bought the car. Reading the boards other ford owners had the same thing told to them and now are up in arms about it. I hope Ford clarifies as the sync website you log into says it is not just over the air.
Click to expand...

Are you sure you have SYNC 3 and not SYNC 2 -- or "SYNC with My Ford Touch" ? Check your version of software on your car system. If it shows 3.8.x then it's a Gen 2 SYNC.

Here's the Wikipedia Link to SYNC 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MyFord_Touch

I believe a limited number of early 2016 models were offered with SYNC Gen 2 and not SYNC 3. This should have been explained to you when purchased the vehicle. :)

If you do indeed have a SYNC 3 system and Ford tells you that you still require some hardware upgrade then please update the thread ASAP.


Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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beanbaguk said:
After using CarPlay on a couple of rental cars over the past couple of weeks I'm not impressed.

It's a very poor system and it also takes away a lot of functionality from the native car systems. You're also locked to the absolutely terrible Apple Maps which gives the most dreadful routes, and very often, Spotify or TuneIn refuse to work resulting in the need to disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

Messages are also a chore as Siri sucks when there is any cabin noise in the car.

However most importantly, touch screen interfaces suck in cars. They are insanely dangerous when travelling at speed as they require you to change your driving posture and lean forward, removing a lot of control from the steering wheel.

Apple must do the following to make it a good option:
  • FULL integration with the car
    • Car computer (MPG, avg speed, etc...)
    • Basic items where they are not visible on the dash such as outside temperature.
    • Set-up of car systems.
    • Service information
  • Ability to use another GPS program such as Google Maps or Sygic, etc....
  • Improve Siri when there is a lot of ambient noise
  • Allow integration with physical dials.
One user noted how the BMW iDrive system was useless, but of all the systems I've used, this is the absolute best once you get used to the iDrive interface knob. I can control my system in seconds and dial numbers safely without looking away from my screen.

The interface is also miles better and more flexible than CarPlay too and I find it much safer to use.

Perhaps a personal view but every person I let try out the CarPlay in my two rental cars thought it was a pile of crap.
Click to expand...

Had a second play with a Porsche Macan today at the dealer. Tried CarPlay last time. Today tried factory PCM. Could not see any reason to pay extra for CarPlay. Factory screens loaded and played FLAC files (which sounded much better than MP3 or AAC from my iPhone). Could still access Playlists. Losing car button functions when connected to CarPlay is a downer. As beanbaguk says, it's just not integrated enough with the car hardware ;(
 
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centauratlas said:
I know Ford doesn't care about individual customers, but the individual customers add up which is why GM, Ford and Chrysler got their clocks cleaned by the likes of Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, and MB etc.
Click to expand...

If you think those companies care about the consumer I have a bridge to sell you. Ask the millions with bum Honda transmissions, V6's with junk VCM systems, and the other stuff Honda loves to sweep under the rug. Or the Toyota owners that had slugged up engines even though they followed the owner's manual to the T. Or Nissan owners who have had their catalytic converters disintegrate and be sucked back into the engine ruining them.

The "premium" brands only care enough because you pay a lot for them and even then they tend to not care too much once the warranty is done.

That being said, if you have Sync 3 (the QNX one, not the MS one), the upgrade should be simple as I seriously doubt that they made running changes after 6-9 months of production. The only "missing hardware" may be the cellular modem that allows you to start your car, lock, unlock, etc from your cell phone but I doubt that is a requirement for CarPlay.
 
From some "inside discussions" I've had, the hardware upgrade for MY16 Sync 3 systems [to be Carplay compatible], is a replacement USB interface module. The existing one doesn't handle the video correctly (over Lighting > USB), as Carplay basically streams the UI and uses the car hardware as peripherals (display, touch, audio).

I haven't been able to get a price, or the complexity of the install for a DIY, but if I was to take a wild guess, <$125 for the hardware, about an hour install (some dash and/or center console needing to be removed).

Probability of the above being accurate, about 51% :D
 
PBRsg said:
I get it, but car user software tends to be rubbish compared to what we are used to on our iPhones.
Click to expand...
Do you understand the intent of CarPlay software?

"CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music, all in a way that allows you to stay focused on the road."
 
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Anyone know if this is a Bluetooth connection, or is a USB hardwire still required for CarPlay?
 
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