Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Ford announces Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2017 models

By

Since Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were announced in 2014, Ford has been one of the major holdouts when it comes to choosing a side. The Blue Oval has stuck with its device-agnostic Sync AppLink, without discussing plans to integrate the Apple- and Android-specific systems into its vehicles.

But at CES, Ford said it will add both CarPlay and Android Auto to new models later this year, along with other upgrades to its Sync 3 infotainment system. Ford buyers with compatible Apple or Android smartphones will now get a layer of features specific to their phones, something that’s becoming mandatory among tech-savvy carmakers.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available on all 2017 Ford models equipped with the Sync 3 system, which rolled out last year as a replacement for the maligned Sync with MyFord Touch. Several 2016 models also have the system, and owners will be offered an upgrade adding CarPlay and Android Auto at some point this year.

Related

In addition to the Apple and Android systems, Ford plans to roll out a few upgrades to Sync 3. The carmaker will launch the 4G LTE-based Sync Connect feature first announced at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. This allows owners to remotely start, unlock doors, check the fuel level, or locate a parked car with their smartphones. Ford will also augment its AppLink app suite with features that use a vehicle’s GPS location.

An app from AAA uses the car’s location data to check gas prices, find gas stations, and plan routes. Concur allows drivers to log business trips by recording mileage covered when prompted, while Eventseeker and Cityseeker use the vehicle’s location to find activities like concerts, nightlife, and attractions nearby. A new “Send Location” feature also allows an app to integrate directly with a car’s navigation system.

Ford claims to have put around 15 million Sync-equipped vehicles on the road since the first version of the system launched in 2007. By 2020, it expects that number to grow to more than 20 million.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Motorola MA1 gives your car wireless Android Auto
The Motorola MA1 wireless adapter for Android Auto.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are game-changing smartphone interfaces, and now wireless versions of both systems are rolling out in new cars. If you've got an older car with wired Android Auto only, though, Motorola is unveiling a way to cut the cord at CES 2022.

The Motorola MA1 is an adapter that can add wireless Android Auto to existing cars. Motorola said in a press release that it licenses the technology from Google. Since the company hasn't made a similar arrangement with Apple, CarPlay users are out of luck for now.

Read more
Amazon Music now has a car mode, but don’t use it while driving
Amazon Music Car Mode

The Amazon Music app for iOS and Android now comes with an optional car mode that offers up a simplified interface that can automatically launch as soon as you connect to your car's Bluetooth system.

It looks like the ideal solution for those who don't have an infotainment system that's compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but want to stream music from Amazon Music while driving. According to an email from Amazon's PR partner, the new feature was designed "to limit extensive browsing while driving." Curiously, however, on the webpage that promotes car mode, Amazon warns its customers that they should not "interact with this app while operating your vehicle." Which naturally raises the question: Why give the app a car mode at all?

Read more
The best CarPlay apps
best car apps for the iPhone Carplay press shot

Apple CarPlay overrides your car's native infotainment system and promises to put a familiar, distraction-free interface right at your fingertips. It's also loaded with compatible third-party apps that give your car nearly the same level of functionality as your iPhone or iPad. We've put together a list of the best CarPlay apps available in July 2020.

Further reading

Read more