Ford brings Apple CarPlay to rest of 2017 lineup through updates & new models

Ford on Monday announced the expansion of support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to all 2017 models equipped with SYNC 3, including vehicles already on the roads, and some only due later this year.

Following the availability of the technology on the 2017 Escape, released in May, the platforms should now be accessible on the Fusion, Mustang, and Explorer. 2017 models of the Edge, Focus, F-150, and Super Duty will have support when they launch later this year. People who need to update an existing vehicle should be able to do so over Wi-Fi.

SYNC AppLink, meanwhile, has picked up Pandora, Spotify, Ford PASS, AccuWeather, and AAA member services.

Ford began a large push to support Apple platforms in December, when it enabled Siri Eyes Free for a number of 2011-2016 models through an update to SYNC 3.8. It first revealed its CarPlay and Android Auto plans in January, which will also include updating 2016 models as long as they also have SYNC 3.

Most major automakers now have at least one model with CarPlay support, the main exceptions being Mazda and Toyota. The platform will get significant update from Apple with this fall's iOS 10, such as the ability to hide and rearrange homescreen icons, or the option to automatically mark a car's position in Apple Maps when an iPhone is disconnected.