Ford Improves Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

At some point later this year, owners of Sync 3-equipped cars will be able to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their vehicles. In addition, Sync Connect technology will add the ability to remotely start vehicles, unlock doors, check the level of fuel and help drivers find their parked cars.

In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, several new apps are promised in 2016 to be used with Ford's AppLink tech, including one from AAA (or CAA for Canadian Ford drivers) that will monitor fuel prices and offer directions to nearby gas stations. A Concur app will allow users of the business expense service to track mileage for work trips, after which a prompt to reconcile that trip in Concur will be presented. Eventseeker helps drivers find nearby events, and Cityseeker does the same thing for restaurants and nightlife. Finally, the Tencent Chelian app will tie into QQ, China's most popular social media platform.

All vehicles sold in North America as 2017 models and equipped with Sync 3 will get these new features, and Ford says the latest Escape will be the first to roll out. Other 2017 models will surely follow shortly thereafter, and owners of 2016 models "will have the opportunity to upgrade later in the year." Here's hoping the updates don't take too long for current owners.

While we'd love to tell the 15 million or so drivers of vehicles equipped with previous Sync systems that they'll get some of these upgrades, they only apply to 2016 and later vehicles that feature the latest Sync 3 technology.