Ford has finally decided to embrace Android Auto and CarPlay

Ford has already made it clear that Android Auto and CarPlay have an important role to play in its infotainment strategy, but didn’t know what role they’d play, or when to expect them, until now. The company announced earlier this week that both platforms will be available on the Sync 3 infotainment platform that’ll come with all of the 2017 models sold in North America. Owners of 2016 Ford models will be able to upgrade to the platform later this year, though the company didn’t specify when. 

Ford is increasing the number of smartphone functions that can be controlled from car interfaces by adding support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and introducing more apps for its Sync in-vehicle connectivity system. Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto have been designed for users to be able to continue to use their phones to access information and make calls from the vehicle’s native interface while driving, by connecting the phone to the car. The car company is adding these capabilities in line with its strategy to provide higher integration between car functions and smartphone apps. It aims for example to use its Sync Connect technology to let users remotely lock and unlock cars, check fuel levels, and locate and start a vehicle using a smartphone. Apple CarPlay added to Sync will give iPhone users access to maps, messages, phone calls and music through Siri voice control or a touch screen, while Android Auto will allow for easier access to Google’s services like voice search, maps and music streaming through steering wheel controls and a touch screen, Ford said Monday.