View Poll Results: How many of you have utilized the SYNC3 update?
Upgraded
627
69.05%
Choosing to wait for Ford
281
30.95%
Voters: 908. You may not vote on this poll
Current SYNC 3 and CarPlay/Android Auto Information
#21
Really appreciate you taking the time to post. Your pretty well the only one I know of that really knows what's going on so thank you.
IF the upgrade is available for personal download will it be simply placing files on a USB stick or USB hdd and simply updating? I can't see them rolling out a 500 gig update over wifi.
IF the upgrade is available for personal download will it be simply placing files on a USB stick or USB hdd and simply updating? I can't see them rolling out a 500 gig update over wifi.
The following users liked this post:
TX-Ripper (12-14-2016)
The following users liked this post:
TX-Ripper (12-14-2016)
#27
#29
I wanted to get something written up for those 16+ F-150 Owners to have some quick reference to.
SYNC 3
Version 1.0 - Initial Release Version - Does not contain Android Auto/CarPlay
Version 1.1 - Latest Update (as of 10/25/2016) for Version 1 to correct minor bug issues (only available via dealer upgrade - I now have this available but it is a 500+mb download)
Version 2.0 - Only available on late build models of the 2016 F-150 (roughly July 2016). Version 2 does contain Android Auto (fully functional) and CarPlay (non functional)
You are able to check your version by going into the General icon and then About menu item. The version is listed at the top and not to be confused with gracenote or navigation version.
Version 1.X cannot be upgraded to version 2 at this time. The software release has not been made available from Ford. Ford is currently saying it will be ready by the end of 2016.
For those that have a 2016 Ford F-150 with V2.0 in it, the reason CarPlay does not work is because a CarPlay compliant USB hub is not installed in the vehicle. I have found that part # GJ7Z-19A387-B (part for 2017 MKC) is a CarPlay compliant USB hub that is a direct fit into the 2016 F-150. The backlighting is white instead of blue. Other USB hubs of the same design will likely work but at this time this is the only hub that has been tested to my knowledge and I can say gives the V2.0 SYNC 3 CarPlay. After some experimenting, the hub can be removed with a basic plastic trim tool without having to take anything else apart. Use a thin plastic pry tool and slide it under each side (short sides of the hub) and give it a little twist to get that side to pop out and then do the other end. You may need to hold the already released side out as it will want to pop back in.
Some additional information: You can replace the APIM in your F-150 if it has V1 with one that has V2. They are different hardware part numbers. A replacement has to be setup and programmed for your specific vehicle. This does work as I have done it. In theory those with 2015 F-150 that have MFT/SYNC2 should be able to "fairly easily" upgrade to SYNC 3. This will require a screen and apim replacement at minimum. Not a cheap retrofit and it would be based totally on personal preference.
Once Ford officially releases the V2.0 update for the V1 owners I am sure we will learn the official part # for the F-150 USB hub that is CarPlay compliant. Just be forewarned Ford has put out information that due to the hardware upgrade it will be a dealer visit upgrade only. I certainly hope they change their stance on that. Until Ford makes the announcement it is just guessing as to what the official route of upgrade will be.
If further information pertaining to this topic is received I will attempt to update this original thread. I would like to ask that opinions about Apple versus Android be kept out of this and the keep the topic on task.
LIST OF CONFIRMED CARPLAY COMPLIANT USB HUBS THAT FIT 2016 F150:
GJ7Z-19A387-B (WHITE BACKLIGHTING) via JMR061
HC3Z-19A387-B (BLUE BACKLIGHTING) via KOMANDREW
SYNC 3
Version 1.0 - Initial Release Version - Does not contain Android Auto/CarPlay
Version 1.1 - Latest Update (as of 10/25/2016) for Version 1 to correct minor bug issues (only available via dealer upgrade - I now have this available but it is a 500+mb download)
Version 2.0 - Only available on late build models of the 2016 F-150 (roughly July 2016). Version 2 does contain Android Auto (fully functional) and CarPlay (non functional)
You are able to check your version by going into the General icon and then About menu item. The version is listed at the top and not to be confused with gracenote or navigation version.
Version 1.X cannot be upgraded to version 2 at this time. The software release has not been made available from Ford. Ford is currently saying it will be ready by the end of 2016.
For those that have a 2016 Ford F-150 with V2.0 in it, the reason CarPlay does not work is because a CarPlay compliant USB hub is not installed in the vehicle. I have found that part # GJ7Z-19A387-B (part for 2017 MKC) is a CarPlay compliant USB hub that is a direct fit into the 2016 F-150. The backlighting is white instead of blue. Other USB hubs of the same design will likely work but at this time this is the only hub that has been tested to my knowledge and I can say gives the V2.0 SYNC 3 CarPlay. After some experimenting, the hub can be removed with a basic plastic trim tool without having to take anything else apart. Use a thin plastic pry tool and slide it under each side (short sides of the hub) and give it a little twist to get that side to pop out and then do the other end. You may need to hold the already released side out as it will want to pop back in.
Some additional information: You can replace the APIM in your F-150 if it has V1 with one that has V2. They are different hardware part numbers. A replacement has to be setup and programmed for your specific vehicle. This does work as I have done it. In theory those with 2015 F-150 that have MFT/SYNC2 should be able to "fairly easily" upgrade to SYNC 3. This will require a screen and apim replacement at minimum. Not a cheap retrofit and it would be based totally on personal preference.
Once Ford officially releases the V2.0 update for the V1 owners I am sure we will learn the official part # for the F-150 USB hub that is CarPlay compliant. Just be forewarned Ford has put out information that due to the hardware upgrade it will be a dealer visit upgrade only. I certainly hope they change their stance on that. Until Ford makes the announcement it is just guessing as to what the official route of upgrade will be.
If further information pertaining to this topic is received I will attempt to update this original thread. I would like to ask that opinions about Apple versus Android be kept out of this and the keep the topic on task.
LIST OF CONFIRMED CARPLAY COMPLIANT USB HUBS THAT FIT 2016 F150:
GJ7Z-19A387-B (WHITE BACKLIGHTING) via JMR061
HC3Z-19A387-B (BLUE BACKLIGHTING) via KOMANDREW
#30
Senior Member
I bought my truck two weeks ago, it was built in September and it has Android Auto with the blue USB's. It's pretty cool but I'll probably never use it much, My truck has factory Navigation and the coolest thing about Android Auto is using Google maps for Nav, which I don't really need.