Kia to Release CarPlay Software Update for Select 2014 to 2017 Models

[MacRumors]

Kia has announced that CarPlay and Android Auto will be available as free software updates for a wider range of select 2014 to 2017 model year vehicles equipped with UVO3 or a compatible navigation system.

The new U.S. models eligible for the CarPlay update specifically, in addition to the 2017 Sorento and Sportage, include the 2017 Forte, 2015-16 Optima, 2015-16 Optima Hybrid, 2015-16 Sedona, 2014-16 Soul, and 2015-16 Soul EV.

The CarPlay software update will be available for download by the end of July on the UVO Home website. Kia said it will notify customers signed up for email notifications via UVO Home when the software is available for download.

Kia's other CarPlay vehicles include the 2017 Cadenza and 2017 Forte5. Its parent brand Hyundai offers CarPlay in the 2016 Sonata, 2017 Elantra, and 2017 IONIQ. Kia also sells select models with CarPlay in Canada and other regions around the world.

The software update is notable given that it involves a number of older 2014 and 2015 models, further proving that automakers are capable of offering CarPlay in properly equipped older vehicles if they choose to do so. Unsurprisingly, however, most brands have limited CarPlay to their newest models only.

BMW, Nissan, and Ford are among the newest CarPlay partners, leaving Toyota and Mazda as two of the largest automakers that have yet to adopt the software platform. Apple periodically updates a list of available CarPlay models on its website.

Article Link: Kia to Release CarPlay Software Update for Select 2014 to 2017 Models

 

[philfry]

This is some good customer service. I wish Honda would add this to the 2016 HR-V.

 

[haiggy]

Where is Mazda???

 

[TurboPGT!]

Hey Chrysler! Are you paying attention!?

Thanks for that Siri Eyes Free update (which doesn't work) that you just issued the other day (despite it coming out in 2012).

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

Ooooh, Kia joins Tesla in releasing software updates that give new features to existing cars (as opposed to grudgingly fixing defects.)

Does the Kia have its own internet connection to download the update itself, or do you have to download it to a computer, and then transfer it to the car via a USB or disk or something?

 

[enthusiastic]

Looking at you, SYNC 3 (Ford)

 

[jerm13]

So the 2015 Optima gets carplay, but the higher priced 2015 Cadenza doesn't?

 

[LordQ]

Really? No 2016 Sportage?

 

[bryanescuela]

...and yet Chrysler/Fiat/Jeep keep saying they CAN'T UPGRADE 2015 MODELS with CarPlay. 2015 MODELS!!!

 

[Rudy69]

See Honda? It can be done...jerks

 

[Discostu7]

Chrysler Jeep needs to fire their IT department. If KIA can upgrade 14 models why can't they upgrade prior models???? I bought a 16 jeep hoping for this and still nothing. Makes me want to sell my car now. Stop bleeping around Jeep and get with it!

 

[Dydegu]

I wish they'd spend more time talking about CarPlay at keynotes. It's been a sleeper project for too long and deserves some more love.

 

[ARK]

Thank you Kia. You've earned my money now. Ill be buying a Sedona.

 

[Boatboy24]

Get to work Honda and Toyota (and others). You're being made to look like fools.

 

[jmh600cbr]

I seriously doubt Mitsubishi will do this but I'd very much like it to happen. 2016 lancer here

 

[techno-Zen]

This is why I love Kia, and love my 2016 Soul+

Awesome
[doublepost=1468938601][/doublepost]

Ooooh, Kia joins Tesla in releasing software updates that give new features to existing cars (as opposed to grudgingly fixing defects.)

Does the Kia have its own internet connection to download the update itself, or do you have to download it to a computer, and then transfer it to the car via a USB or disk or something?

I think it's via SD card

 

[greytmom]

No 2014 Sorento? I have the nav system.

 

[saintforlife]

Bought a Volkswagen recently that came with CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Suffice to say, we are not buying another car that doesn't have CarPlay or Android Auto support in the future. Apple and Google know how to design great UI. Auto makers...not so much.

 

[swissglide]

Where is Mazda???

Mazda is, as always, 'evaluating the possibility' and 'does not have any specific updates at this time'. Virtually every review for current gen Mazda's cars out there has listed lack of CarPlay and Android Auto support as a drawback, and the current JCI system leaves a decent amount to be desired in terms of connectivity, but alas. There is an unofficial Android Auto app out there for the headunit that works somewhat well, but nothing on the CarPlay front so far besides a few hooks discovered in one of the more recent software updates for the unit.

 

[Bubba Satori]

Bought a Volkswagen recently that came with CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Suffice to say, we are not buying another car that doesn't have CarPlay or Android Auto support in the future. Apple and Google know how to design great UI. Auto makers...not so much.

Eggsachery.
Having car makers design software is as bad as software companies making cars.
Oh, wait...

 

[DJsteveSD]

...and yet Chrysler/Fiat/Jeep keep saying they CAN'T UPGRADE 2015 MODELS with CarPlay. 2015 MODELS!!!

I hear the same thing and I have a 2015 Patriot with touchscreen and navigation. I guess I should feel lucky it has hands free phone activated.

 

[stars_fan]

Get to work Honda and Toyota (and others). You're being made to look like fools.

Might be a long wait for toyota

 

[jmkinny]

Ooooh, Kia joins Tesla in releasing software updates that give new features to existing cars (as opposed to grudgingly fixing defects.)

Does the Kia have its own internet connection to download the update itself, or do you have to download it to a computer, and then transfer it to the car via a USB or disk or something?

You actually need to connect to a WiFi Hot spot. I have a 2016 Optima SXL and have it connected to my home wireless. You will also need your iPhone connected to the USB port.

There are other apps on there that you can get. I am sooooo excited to finally get CarPlay.

 

[swissglide]

Might be a long wait for toyota

Toyota is kind of married to their own system and just recently started a partnership with Mazda on an OpenCar-based system, which aims to be a direct competitor to software company designed systems. I would not hold my breath for CarPlay/AA support in their cars until the time when software companies have won and their systems have become an industry standard.

 

[Paul_W]

This is where VW should take note. My 2015 VW Golf doesn't have carplay but the hardware is compatible. To get the software I have to take the car to a VW dealer and have them install the software to enable it at a cost of £200.

I can update my navigation maps at home for free so why can't I do the same for carplay?