When it comes to connectivity, our focus at Ford is to provide drivers with a seamless experience using the devices and interfaces that they are most familiar with. With SYNC® 3 at the center of the connected experience, we will give drivers options – and in 2016, those options are about to get a whole lot better.
We will be adding in new compelling new ways for drivers to better connect to SYNC 3-equipped Ford vehicles. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto™, and a bouquet of new apps available to AppLink™ will be launching on the 2017 Ford Escape. Owners of 2016 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 will have an opportunity to upgrade later this year. The 2017 Ford Escape will also include SYNC Connect powered by 4G LTE.
Apple CarPlay
Drivers with a compatible iPhone (iPhone 5 or later) can plug in their iPhone by USB to get the CarPlay interface on their car’s touch screen. Once connected, the car and controls become a seamless extension of the iOS interface, complete with Siri voice control and Apple Maps.
Drivers with SYNC 3 will be able to make phone calls, access music, send and receive messages, and get directions – all while keeping their eyes on the road.
Android Auto
We love Android users too. Drivers with a compatible Android device (5.0 or higher) will be able to plug in their device and get Google Maps, Google Play Music and other apps projected onto the SYNC screen. Access Google voice search to ask any question under the sun.
SYNC Connect with 4G LTE
Starting with the 2017 Ford Escape, vehicles equipped with SYNC Connect will be able to access certain features on their vehicles using 4G LTE by ATT in North America. This includes everything from remotely starting, unlocking, checking fuel levels or locating their car, all through a simple app on their smartphone.
Improved AppLink apps
For the first time this year, SYNC 3 apps will be able to access GPS location and car mileage, including an app for CAA members which will allow drivers to see fuel prices across the country.
In all, it’s going to be a big year for SYNC. We want to make the world more connected and more accessible – especially when we are driving down the road. There are already more than 15 million SYNC-equipped vehicles around the world, and we expect that to increase to 43 million by 2020. That’s a lot of smart cars, with a lot of smart apps, for all of you smart people out there.