Sync 3 now supports Apple CarPlay

Ford now supports SYNC 3 with software updates to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ™ for 2016 and 2017 model year vehicles.

Customers can now upgrade by downloading the software to a USB drive, visiting a dealer, or using a wireless Wi-Fi connection. This is Ford’s first software update over Wi-Fi. It offers a convenient and automated alternative to existing update methods.

Customers with 2016 model year Ford vehicles can upgrade to the new SYNC 3 version 2.2 to get this support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

“Our SYNC 3 software platform was designed to be easy to upgrade so that we can offer our customers the latest and greatest features, functional enhancements and safety,” said Don Butler, CEO of Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “With wireless updates, we are able to deliver new features to customers in the background while they continue to use their vehicles.”

Android Auto

Compatible with Android ™ 5.0 and higher devices, Android Auto experience Android in the vehicle safely and easily. It offers Google Maps, Google Play Music, telephone, messaging and third-party applications projected on the built-in screen of the car and available through voice controls. With a streamlined interface, large touch targets, Google voice search, and easy-to-use voice controls, Android Auto is designed to minimize distractions on the road.

Android, Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later with iOS 7.1 or later. Apple CarPlay offers iPhone users an intuitive way to make phone calls, use voice-guided navigation, listen to music, and send and receive messages. Convenience allows the driver to stay focused on the road. Users can control Apple CarPlay through the vehicle screen or via Siri voice control. Apple CarPlay compatibility requires a USB hub upgrade available from Ford dealers.

SYNC 3 currently supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all 2017 model year Ford cars, including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Mustang, SUVs including Escape, Explorer, and Expedition, F-series trucks, and Ford electrified vehicles.

Receive updates over Wi-Fi

Ford has had SYNC updates since 2009, but this is the first time the company has offered an update over Wi-Fi. In Wi-Fi enabled vehicles with Automatic System Updates enabled within SYNC 3, the system will periodically connect to the designated Wi-Fi network to check for updates. If an update is available, the system automatically downloads it in the background for a period of time without customer interaction. And SYNC 3 is designed to update as long as Wi-Fi is connected before the vehicle is turned off, so there is no need to keep the vehicle running for the update to take place.

Visit the support site owner.ford.com and register / log in to learn more about these updates.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *