Malcolm Owen
Honda appears to be preparing its 2021 Accord range of sedan cars to have wireless CarPlay available to use, a feature that does away with the need to tether an iPhone to the infotainment system.
Shared in a tip to AppleInsider, a PDF version of the "Owner's Manual" labeled for the 2021 Accord details how to use the variety of features included in different variants of the car range. Searches of the manual indicate Honda intends to offer both Siri Eyes Free and Apple CarPlay to buyers of the model, though availability of the features may only be offered on select models in the range, or as a customization.
Pages describing how to get started with CarPlay in the vehicle include references to using the feature with a compatible iPhone via both wired and wireless avenues. Wired access will use the USB port within the center pocket of the dashboard, while the wireless version requires use of the car's Bluetooth system for the initial setup.
The manual also describes the use of the talk button on the steering wheel to trigger Siri, with a long-held press enabling Apple's digital assistant, while a second press deactivates it. Mentions are also made for Android Auto, which is similarly usable in wired and wireless configurations.
While the tip was made to AppleInsider anonymously, the URL used for the leak points to servers owned and operated by Honda itself, indicating the PDF to be genuine.
Honda has yet to officially announce its 2021 Accord models in the United States, but the existence of a web-accessible manual for the vehicle suggests the manufacturer may do so soon.
In September Honda made CarPlay a standard feature of its 2021 Passport SUV.
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16 Comments
Renault Twingo electric (ZE) is coming end of this year And new Dacia Duster, both with Android Auto and Carplay wireless
My CarPlay experience in my 3-year old Honda has been so bad that I'm inclined to actually avoid Honda for my next car. For one thing, my iPhone's USB cable didn't work 50% of the time with my Honda, and the Honda dealership explained to me that I have to buy a higher quality cable, but they refused to sell me one that works or even tell me which brand/model of cable would actually work. So even if they've finally fixed it by going wireless, I'm still holding a grudge. I plan to wait for the first car from any manufacturer that comes with Apple's new carOS.
I updated my 2011 Ford Edge Sport to the latest Sync3 (Ford's Infotainment System) and have both Siri Eyes Free and by adding a Carplay2air https://carplay2air.com/ USB wireless adapter, I also have wireless Carplay. Carplay on the latest Ford Sync3 as well as using the Carplay2air adapter is rock solid.
Regarding the USB port in the autos, they have an Apple chip in it or something like that so as to validate/authorize Carplay in the infotainment systems (I had to replace the original USB port in the center console with the "Carplay" enabled USB port as part of the Sync3 upgrade to enable Apple Carplay). In Honda's case it sounds like they put it in the cable. Another "add-on" expense from the dealer.