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

[JeffPerrin]

Thanks for the replies. -So it sounds like wired USB is indeed required. Sounds like wireless is still a ways off... :-(

Anyway, in my wife's CR-V, the "Siri" button does allow you to send messages and call up music tracks (played via Bluetooth connection.) But we all know that can be hit-and-miss. I'm hoping an improved Siri functionality overall will help make for a better car interface overall, CarPlay or not... I can live without Maps and such for now. Give me better voice control over Messages and Music!

 

[AppLvr4Life]

Yes. SYNC3 on 2016 vehicles requires a hardware upgrade for CarPlay but not for Android Auto.

https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync...support.html?year=2016&model=Focus&sync=sync3

https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/sync...id-auto.html?year=2016&model=Focus&sync=sync3

Yes, one of two places I found it. Lets hope Ford gives more clarification and pricing. This is very disappointing based on the guarantees we had when we bought our new Escape. Thanks

 

[cnick6]

Thanks for the replies. -So it sounds like wired USB is indeed required. Sounds like wireless is still a ways off...

Yes, this type of "carplay" functionality is available on many 3rd party infotainment units from Sony, Alpine and others but they all require USB. It's just too much information to move back and forth over Bluetooth -- especially if you add the music payload data on top of that. (It's essentially a form of 'screen-mirroring' on your infotainment unit.)

In theory, once connected, the user doesn't need to use the phone, so using a cable wasn't considered to be an issue.

 

[Johnny907]

Sooo... I have a 2016 Mustang with Sync 3 and would love to know when a CarPlay update is available for that as they promised...

Yeah good luck with that. Ford promised me AppLink support through an update on my 2011 by the end of that year at the very latest. It was finally added this spring, about two months after I'd replaced the head unit with an aftermarket Alpine. Love Ford, but the guys in charge of software in their infotainment division just plain suck.
[doublepost=1469471605][/doublepost]

Yes, one of two places I found it. Lets hope Ford gives more clarification and pricing. This is very disappointing based on the guarantees we had when we bought our new Escape. Thanks

Hey at least you have the option even if it requires purchasing additional hardware. If you raise a big enough stink over it with your dealer or Ford Customer Relations, you may well get the upgraded hardware for free. When the OnStar system in my wife's Ascender stopped working due to it's hardware no longer being supported by upgraded cell phone technology, they tried to put the cost of upgrading the brain module on me. In my original paperwork was a flyer from GM promising coverage for the life of the vehicle, and nowhere in that fine print did it mention "with purchase of additional hardware." It took some phone calls and a couple yelling matches with the Service Manager, but I got that upgraded module and everything is still working as it should.

 

[thelookingglass]

Do you understand the intent of CarPlay software?

Spoiler

"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."

Not speaking for the other person, but I understand the intent of CarPlay completely. Yet it still feels really underwhelming in its current iteration. Ideally there would be something close to a mirrored iPhone, just with car-tailored interactive elements.

 

[Piggie]

If I'm honest, for any controls that are likely to be used when you are driving a car any touch screen is a really really REALLY bad idea and perhaps should be made illegal.

It's ok if they are used to set something up before driving, but a flat sheet of glass that you have to look at, taking your eyes off the road in order to see an on screen button, could be the very moment a child runs out into the road to get their ball, and you kill them as you were looking for the on-screen button.

 

[beanbaguk]

Not speaking for the other person, but I understand the intent of CarPlay completely. Yet it still feels really underwhelming in its current iteration. Ideally there would be something close to a mirrored iPhone, just with car-tailored interactive elements.

Great! If Siri works...which is doesn't....ever.

 

[SeanG1027]

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!

I have a 2016 Ford F150 with Sync 3. It will still require a hardware update after version 2.0 is available. See below from Ford:
Note: Apple CarPlay is available on 2017 model year Ford vehicles with compatible SYNC 3. Owners of 2016 model year Ford vehicles with SYNC 3 are required to perform a software upgrade and purchase a hardware upgrade to use Apple CarPlay. Please check back on the Ford Owner site this summer for more information about these upgrades.
[doublepost=1469476175][/doublepost]AppLink is a joke. You have to start the apps on your phone before you can use them. The UI is horrible and very poorly designed. Not to mention the apps available are completely useless.....Dominos? Really. I don't understand how every 2016 GM truck has CarPlay. I was also promised a FREE CarPlay update...

 

[paulold]

I recently bought a new car that comes with CarPlay (a VW). Does anyone know how the software will get updated when they update it in the Fall? I know how to update the Navigation maps when those get updated (via a memory card). Will it be a similar process? Where is the CarPlay application stored?

Also, just some comments:

1. I find it's frustrating to use CarPlay. It feels like a beta version. For example, my system doesn't like it when I want to use CarPlay for navigation and my CD player to listen to music. It will do it, but it's awkward. I have to get the music playing in the background and then start CarPlay.

2. My car system seems to work best with my iPhone connected via Bluetooth, but the sound quality of my music is better when I connect my iPhone to CarPlay. Also, I have a hard time checking the traffic on both CarPlay and the navigation system that came with the car. Using the app on the phone is faster and easier. Usually when I run into traffic, I look ahead on the map on my iPhone to see how bad it is and decide if I should re-route or stay on course. it's easier to zoom out and see the traffic. But that kinda defeats the whole purpose of the nice big screen in my car, right? I'm hoping the maps will look better with the update in the Fall.

3. Siri - It's funny. If I use my phone in the car to send a text while it's connected via Bluetooth and I use the microphone to dictate what I want to say instead of typing, my car will kick in and do the listening instead of the phone. But it's not like I have Siri available. In order to get Siri, I have to connect my phone to CarPlay. Maybe they should make CarPlay work via both the wired connection or Bluetooth.

 

[velocityg4]

The question is can you just upgrade the audio system to Sync 3 or do you have to get $10,000 worth of upgrades you don't want just for the one thing you do want? Just like if you want a more powerful engine you also have to get the sports package, uncomfortable leather seats and a bunch of other crap.

 

[BlueCreek]

Still no news on an aftermarket wireless CarPlay headunit?

 

[dtlee1974]

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.

I drive an FJ and my wife has a Camry. These two Toyotas have been super reliable, although the Camry has had a crap ride since the day it was new. We are getting rid of it and I would love to have bought another Toyota, RAV 4, Highlander and Lexus RX were all on the menu. But, one of my criteria is that I'm not paying new car money for dead end tech like Toyota is using.

So, a Volvo XC90 it is.

 

[mlody]

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

I bet neither system is worse than crappy Acura's dual screen interface. It's graphics look like from Atari games and the performance (lack of it) of the whole system is comparable to $20 Walmart Android phone running Froyo. At this is coming from the luxury company, even new Honda Accord and Civic have 10x better systems.

 

[uroshnor]

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.

A number of your criticisms are not really within Apple's control (although they may be within its influence):

- CarPlay can't fix the interior noise of a car. It can require noise cancelling microphones to support Siri, but there are real limits to what the OEM is prepared to invest in these in the car.

- Integration with the car systems (like physical dials and real time data out of the car ) requires the car manufacturer to make this data available. You can actually get data visibility already using a bluetooth transmitter plugging into the ODB2 port of the car, and pairing that with an appropriate App on the phone. However, currently none of these Apps are CarPlay enabled, and Apple would then need to approve that App to work with CarPlay. Land Rover is certainly trying things out in this space itself , but without CarPlay integration. If Apple were to move a little on this - giving a framework for "virtual dashboard" Apps, that could be very interesting indeed (Audi has an excellent virtual dashboard replacing the normal instrument cluster as an example). This is something I'd really like them to do

- If you have a car where Siri works, CarPlay is awesome and you hardly need to touch the screen at all (so if the Siri/audio problem can be fixed, your complaint about distracted driving on the touchscreen kind of goes away)

- The old Apple Maps chestnut - look, this is really an issue of your milage varying. Where I live, Apple Maps is comparable (i.e. equal or better) for route finding, if you know the address, has live traffic and live re-routing. So compared with Google Maps, its up to date and does pretty well. The thing where Apple Maps is still weaker is its POI data, and they way that is searched.

 

[^^BIGMac]

Does CaPlay still require tethering in the car or does it now work over BT?

 

[Glideslope]

You are forgetting the millions of 5 speed Honda autos that are utter garbage and that Honda had to be drug kicking and screaming into recalling....

Sure the DCT is a POS. Ford needs to ditch that design like yesterday. And sure, I know all about plug spitting Fords....

Fair enough.

 

[Statusnone88]

Sooo... I have a 2016 Mustang with Sync 3 and would love to know when a CarPlay update is available for that as they promised...

2016 Mustang GT owner here with Sync 3... Would love CarPlay as well.

 

[upnorth85]

I bet neither system is worse than crappy Acura's dual screen interface. It's graphics look like from Atari games and the performance (lack of it) of the whole system is comparable to $20 Walmart Android phone running Froyo. At this is coming from the luxury company, even new Honda Accord and Civic have 10x better systems.

I can second that. I have an MDX Advance. The worst in class navigation system which is most user unfriendly and I am yet to use. I just use my iPhone 6S+ for navigation. I did post on the Acura facebook page that my iPhone is an important part of my life and Acura will not be on my next upgrade list if there is no Carplay. I also received a survey a week back and I made sure I made it very clear I was not willing to pay for the junk that goes as a navigation system. My wife's Lexus 350 Rx too needs an upgrade at her next upgrade coming soon. She too will not even look at any SUV that does not have carplay. I think Lexus and Acura are not listening to their screaming customers. Not a good ending for them if they do not change.

 

[PBRsg]

Do you understand the intent of CarPlay software?

Spoiler

"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."

I was not responding to a post about CarPlay.

 

[im_to_hyper]

Too bad its not going to work with my 1967 Mustang.

Well I'm sure you could find an aftermarket system that you could magically mod to work in there!!

The only thing about Car system the GPS map will be out of date in less than 2 years! Things like Appke Car Play or Anroid Auto it gives you up to date maps!

Ford Sync 3 on 2016 models connects to Wifi to update. If you are at home, it will do it automatically. Otherwise, I just turn on the hotspot on my phone now and again to have it check in since I'm too far out of range for the home wifi where I park.

 

[satcomer]

Well I'm sure you could find an aftermarket system that you could magically mod to work in there!!



Ford Sync 3 on 2016 models connects to Wifi to update. If you are at home, it will do it automatically. Otherwise, I just turn on the hotspot on my phone now and again to have it check in since I'm too far out of range for the home wifi where I park.

Yea how long will Ford update their mapping in the car? Fotprd's past tells me that the over air updates will stop after one year without huge fees!

 

[Statusnone88]

I bet neither system is worse than crappy Acura's dual screen interface. It's graphics look like from Atari games and the performance (lack of it) of the whole system is comparable to $20 Walmart Android phone running Froyo. At this is coming from the luxury company, even new Honda Accord and Civic have 10x better systems.

I never understood why luxury car companies have such AWFUL software in their vehicles. Cadillac and Lexus are two of the worst offenders.

 

[gaximus]

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.

Siri would be better if Apple would just use the phones microphones instead of the car microphone.

Also having to "get used to something" makes it by definition bad UX/UI

I've used the BMW iDrive and was not impressed. I use CarPlay everyday, and think it needs a lot of improvements. But thats the point, car infotainment systems should be just dumb terminals. I should be able to plug in a phone that gets updated for free all the time.

If BMW updates the iDrive to be better, I can't easily upgrade to it. Also if my cars system is in my pocket then I don't have to learn a new system when I get into a friends car to drive.

 

[theelysium]

I rented a fully loaded 2016 Ford over the last week and it had CarPlay. I was 85% pleased with it.... It's a great start for the UI and I expected good things to come from it.

Apple gets a for once on software.
[doublepost=1469555381][/doublepost]

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.

HMM, I experienced NONE of this. It sounds more like you are annoyed with the way the CAR company incorporated CarPlay into there systems. Ford's temp and all that is visible from the driver's gauges. Apple Maps works just fine, most people who don't like Apple Maps are either fan boys of something else or just haters. There are just as many bad routs in Google, map quest, in-dash nav, TomTom, Yahoo, etc. It is the nature of the beast when it comes to ALL navigation programs.

All my app works from the phone when tethered as well. I even played Pokémon Go while it was plugged in, streaming music and navigating with Apple Maps.

The annoying thing I kept having to deal with was the CarPlay screen minimized when I opened a non CarPlay app, but that is my only complaint as far as quirks.

Remember it is new and it will get better as more manufactures adopt it.

 

[beanbaguk]

I rented a fully loaded 2016 Ford over the last week and it had CarPlay. I was 85% pleased with it.... It's a great start for the UI and I expected good things to come from it.

Apple gets a for once on software.
[doublepost=1469555381][/doublepost]



HMM, I experienced NONE of this. It sounds more like you are annoyed with the way the CAR company incorporated CarPlay into there systems. Ford's temp and all that is visible from the driver's gauges. Apple Maps works just fine, most people who don't like Apple Maps are either fan boys of something else or just haters. There are just as many bad routs in Google, map quest, in-dash nav, TomTom, Yahoo, etc. It is the nature of the beast when it comes to ALL navigation programs.

All my app works from the phone when tethered as well. I even played Pokémon Go while it was plugged in, streaming music and navigating with Apple Maps.

The annoying thing I kept having to deal with was the CarPlay screen minimized when I opened a non CarPlay app, but that is my only complaint as far as quirks.

Remember it is new and it will get better as more manufactures adopt it.

So you're calling me a "hater" and you admit to playing that ridiculous game, Pokemon while driving? Okay.....