Ford is offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software to many of its customers who missed out on the technology.
For all those customers with model-year 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3, Ford will offer a downloadable update that adds SYNC 2.2, bringing with it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Customers will be able to update their own cars using a USB drive or a Wi-Fi connection, or they can take their cars into the dealership to have the update performed.
This is the first time Ford will offer an infotainment update over Wi-Fi. Customers will also now be able to enable automatic updates, which will have the system search for updates periodically and install them when found. A constant Wi-Fi connection isn’t needed either, as the update will work in the background every time it has access until the update is complete.
SEE ALSO: Ford SYNC 3 Review: It Doesn’t Suck Any More
“Our SYNC 3 software platform was designed to be easy to update so we can get our customers the latest and greatest features, functionally and security enhancements,” said Don Butler, executive director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services. “With over-the-air updates, we can deliver new features to customers in the background while they continue using their vehicles.”
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow users to control many of their smartphone features and apps by using the vehicle’s controls.
