Automotive giant Ford announced on Monday that it has expanded Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support to all its 2017 models equipped with SYNC 3. This includes those already on the road, and models that will be released later this year.
Popular nameplates like the Escape, Fusion, Mustang and Explorer are already available as 2017 model-year vehicles at dealerships and others like the F-150, Focus, Edge and all-new 2017 Super Duty will arrive later this year.
Owners of vehicles that require an update will be able to perform it over Wi-Fi. Apps such as Spotify, Pandora, Ford PASS, AccuWeather and AAA member services have been added through SYNC AppLink.
“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.”
Ford pushed an update in December 2015, which enabled Siri Eyes Free support to a number of 2011-2016 model Ford vehicles, via an update to SYNC 3.8. Ford announced plans to support CarPlay and Android Auto earlier this year. 2016 Ford models which have SYNC 3 will also be able to upgrade, via a software update later this year.
