Ok, this may be a very simple answer. But before I go buy a new phone I wanted to check with the pros.

i have a 2016 f150 without the upgraded usb plug to use Apple CarPlay.

i have the app on my dash that says Android Autoplay, but before I go get an Android phone. Is there anything else I need to know? I wanted to get away from the iPhones anyway but I needed some assurance that I can use the Android maps if I get an Android phone ?

thank you!

 

You will only be able to use Android Autoplay with a USB cable from the phone plugged into the ports in the console cubbyhole, not wirelessly.

 

Even if I have not upgraded to the 2017 usb ports?

 

You don't need to upgrade anything.
android works.
to use Google maps or Google assistant I connect it by USB.
otherwise just Bluetooth for audio phone etc

 

That’s what I needed, thanks!

 

Use the device you prefer. If you currently have an iPhone it's much cheaper to buy a 2017+ USB hub and put it in rather than a new phone. It's plug and play, pull out the old one and pop in the new one. If the Sync 3 version on your truck is 2.0 or higher it will automatically start working when you plug in the phone (you may have to give it permission to access the phone in your phone settings). If it isn't you can update it by downloading it from Ford or get the dealer to update it.

 

I agree but that opens up my can of worms.

I believe someone changed the APIM , or something else I don’t understand. I have SYNC3 but when I go to download the 2.0 version it tells me that my truck does not have navigation. I have called ford and they say the same thing. I clearly have it, but now I can’t download the 2.0 version. I am stuck at “version 1 14”.

 

Last question, I see the Motorola phones use Google Assistant instead of Android Auto. Is that supported on the truck? Or do I need it to specifically support Android Auto ?

 

Good question. I have a Samsung phone. When I connect it to the truck by USB, I can press the phone key in the steering wheel and ask Google assistant.

maybe android auto is what enables it behind scenes

 

2018 F150 and i have used the Samsung Galaxy 20, 22, 23, and 24 Ultra. the only issue i have ever had was that after some updates i would have to go into the Ford menu and set the ringer to match my phone. If i didn't do this i could answer phone calls but could not hear them. It was weird. I blame Android auto for this not the phone or truck.