***Sync 3 Software 3Q2016 Changes***
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From: Livonia, MI
I called Ford about it about a month ago and was trying to understand the need for additional hardware. The representative and I had a fairly heated discussion about how their representatives at dealerships were misrepresenting their product, claiming CarPlay was going to be available later in the year with no additional changes other than a software update (and multiple dealerships said the same exact thing). He said that the APIM currently in the 2016's is incompatible with late-model iPhones, which is also why a number of people have experienced issues with maintaining connections with them and AppLink. Whether that's fact or fiction, I don't know. That's just what he told me. I've seen on other sites that it was the USB module...but the problem with that is that USB is an IEEE standard...there should be no difference between functionality between various USB modules.
To add to that...Ford was going to demo wireless CarPlay at CES and did not at the request of Apple. So I know they must have spec'd out the appropriate hardware long ago.
Same here. I've noticed that the only way to get music to play consistently is to shut BT off and use USB...and even then it gets disconnected.
The fact we're even talking about this is somewhat pathetic...we paid 50K+ for these trucks for premium features and quality when Hyundai Elantras have had this functionality for a long time. Sad.
To add to that...Ford was going to demo wireless CarPlay at CES and did not at the request of Apple. So I know they must have spec'd out the appropriate hardware long ago.
Same here. I've noticed that the only way to get music to play consistently is to shut BT off and use USB...and even then it gets disconnected.
The fact we're even talking about this is somewhat pathetic...we paid 50K+ for these trucks for premium features and quality when Hyundai Elantras have had this functionality for a long time. Sad.
I already posted it in another thread, but Apple has specific requirements before a vehicle can be approved for CarPlay (Part of their MFi program, https://9to5mac.com/2014/12/11/apple...mfi-standards/), and my money is on Ford not installing USB ports that can meet the demands of charging an iPad (positive charge, not just holding it where it's at) or potentially an iPhone 6S+ or future 7+ and utilizing CarPlay. Since Apple is all about user experience, it makes sense for them to build into their spec that any CarPlay charger needs to be capable of putting out X Amps, and the Ford USB ports have always been pretty weak.
That would explain why the notice so far has been to swap out the USB, and would also explain why Apple needs it but Android does not (Android has no such requirement for Android Auto possibly, even if it would benefit).
Again, much like everything in here so far, it's just a guess, but we should know soon enough.
Edit:
Did a check on the Forum and found someone tested their (2016 I think) USB ports and found they put out 2 Amps. That further encourages me to think that higher amperage is why they need to swap out the ports to be MFi legal. I also found this from iPhone Development:
http://devstreaming.apple.com/videos...ems_part_1.pdf
Which waaaaay down on connections says CarPlay requires High Throughput USB, which could also mean they require a USB 3.0 (or similar) connection and the current only support data speeds of USB 2.0.
Either way, USB ports make way more sense.
Last edited by vulnox; Aug 22, 2016 at 05:00 PM.
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From: Houston, TX
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From: High Point, NC
Edit:
Did a check on the Forum and found someone tested their (2016 I think) USB ports and found they put out 2 Amps. That further encourages me to think that higher amperage is why they need to swap out the ports to be MFi legal. I also found this from iPhone Development:
http://devstreaming.apple.com/videos...ems_part_1.pdf
Which waaaaay down on connections says CarPlay requires High Throughput USB, which could also mean they require a USB 3.0 (or similar) connection and the current only support data speeds of USB 2.0.
Either way, USB ports make way more sense.
Did a check on the Forum and found someone tested their (2016 I think) USB ports and found they put out 2 Amps. That further encourages me to think that higher amperage is why they need to swap out the ports to be MFi legal. I also found this from iPhone Development:
http://devstreaming.apple.com/videos...ems_part_1.pdf
Which waaaaay down on connections says CarPlay requires High Throughput USB, which could also mean they require a USB 3.0 (or similar) connection and the current only support data speeds of USB 2.0.
Either way, USB ports make way more sense.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Ehhhh... USB 3.0 is a spec, but that doesn't make all USB ports identical. Simply look at the USB 3.0 ports on a modern laptop, many of them have 1 or more that are capable of charging at a higher amperage than the others when you hook up a cell phone. We have two laptops, an ASUS and an Alienware, both built in 2015, and they each have a USB port on them that not only stays on for charging phones while the laptops are in standby, but charge at higher amperage than the other ports.
I already posted it in another thread, but Apple has specific requirements before a vehicle can be approved for CarPlay (Part of their MFi program, https://9to5mac.com/2014/12/11/apple...mfi-standards/), and my money is on Ford not installing USB ports that can meet the demands of charging an iPad (positive charge, not just holding it where it's at) or potentially an iPhone 6S+ or future 7+ and utilizing CarPlay. Since Apple is all about user experience, it makes sense for them to build into their spec that any CarPlay charger needs to be capable of putting out X Amps, and the Ford USB ports have always been pretty weak.
That would explain why the notice so far has been to swap out the USB, and would also explain why Apple needs it but Android does not (Android has no such requirement for Android Auto possibly, even if it would benefit).
Again, much like everything in here so far, it's just a guess, but we should know soon enough.
Edit:
Did a check on the Forum and found someone tested their (2016 I think) USB ports and found they put out 2 Amps. That further encourages me to think that higher amperage is why they need to swap out the ports to be MFi legal. I also found this from iPhone Development:
http://devstreaming.apple.com/videos...ems_part_1.pdf
Which waaaaay down on connections says CarPlay requires High Throughput USB, which could also mean they require a USB 3.0 (or similar) connection and the current only support data speeds of USB 2.0.
Either way, USB ports make way more sense.
I already posted it in another thread, but Apple has specific requirements before a vehicle can be approved for CarPlay (Part of their MFi program, https://9to5mac.com/2014/12/11/apple...mfi-standards/), and my money is on Ford not installing USB ports that can meet the demands of charging an iPad (positive charge, not just holding it where it's at) or potentially an iPhone 6S+ or future 7+ and utilizing CarPlay. Since Apple is all about user experience, it makes sense for them to build into their spec that any CarPlay charger needs to be capable of putting out X Amps, and the Ford USB ports have always been pretty weak.
That would explain why the notice so far has been to swap out the USB, and would also explain why Apple needs it but Android does not (Android has no such requirement for Android Auto possibly, even if it would benefit).
Again, much like everything in here so far, it's just a guess, but we should know soon enough.
Edit:
Did a check on the Forum and found someone tested their (2016 I think) USB ports and found they put out 2 Amps. That further encourages me to think that higher amperage is why they need to swap out the ports to be MFi legal. I also found this from iPhone Development:
http://devstreaming.apple.com/videos...ems_part_1.pdf
Which waaaaay down on connections says CarPlay requires High Throughput USB, which could also mean they require a USB 3.0 (or similar) connection and the current only support data speeds of USB 2.0.
Either way, USB ports make way more sense.
That gives me a little more comfort if it's just a USB hub that needs to be switched out...but I'm betting that part will cost much more than the $20 some have thrown around.
As far as USB as a standard...yes it is, as you've stated...and no, not all are created equal. However, almost every USB hub I've come across on PC's, servers, etc. are capable of meeting or exceeding the requirements Apple is looking for. If it really is due to a charging requirement, it's pretty lame our USB hub is so cheap that it doesn't rise to same standard as almost every other USB hub being installed as standard, commoditized equipment on everyday electronics.
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It's supported but nobody has implemented it yet. Ford was supposed to demo it at CES this past year but was asked to refrain by Apple. Not sure why...but the technology is there.
Is there a "USB hub"? The back of the head unit has 2 USB ports. I've not had it out yet to see what / how it's connected but given only 2 USB ports in the console I assumed it was just a cable harness......
Went to find the post where I paired a pic of the head unit - I see it sounds like there is some "hub" and that supposedly this only plugs to one port on the head unit? Has me curious now.....
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/sync-...-power-350021/
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/sync-...-power-350021/
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Are you connecting via USB? If so, do you notice that the right-hand port side works better than the left?
I know that sounds crazy...but with mine, when I connect to the right-hand side port, it's far more consistent. I can actually get a couple of hours without it disconnecting.
I know that sounds crazy...but with mine, when I connect to the right-hand side port, it's far more consistent. I can actually get a couple of hours without it disconnecting.
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From: Northern Mn
The cable from the head unit connects to the right USB port in the dash(or console) the left USB is connected internally to the right one. Don't know why one would work better than the other..
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Manufacturing quality haha....that's the only thing I can come up with. I tested this theory with a friend's truck this evening and his was the same. Essentially the USB ports they installed are **** poor quality....and that probably has a lot to do with some of the issues people have had...at least with USB.