July 25, 2016—Ford announced Monday that Apple Carplay and Android Auto will be offered on all 2017 model year vehicles, in addition to SYNC 3.
Drivers will be able to use Carplay to get directions optimized for traffic, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and use Siri. Android Auto will allow drivers to make Google voice searches, use maps, music and more. SYNC 3 features new hardware and software with a faster and more intuitive interface. It will be able to access apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather and AAA member services.
Ford said it will use over-the-air updates via Wi-Fi in the future to keep the technology platforms up to date.
The Escape, Fusion, Mustang and Explorer are already available as 2017 model-year vehicles. The F-150, Focus, Edge and Super Duty trucks will arrive later this year.
“SYNC 3 is already a major leap forward in terms of functionality, simplicity, and user experience – Ford’s promise that every new model now ships ‘Smartphone-ready’ is huge,” said Jeffrey Hannah, Director of North America for global automotive technology research firm SBD. “Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only. The guesswork for consumers is over – if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go.”
