Ford, an early adopter of announced CarPlay support but well behind other manufacturers in actually implementing it, has finally detailed how it will integrate its own BlackBerry QNX-based Sync infotainment system with both Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto in order to remove obstacles from car-buying choices. CEO Mark Fields said that CarPlay and Android Auto support will arrive alongside Sync 3 in car models shipping at the end of this year.
According to Fields and Ford CTO Raj Nair, the company’s own Sync system is itself a draw for buyers, but did not want potential customers to be shut out of using features they prefer. The new Sync will, for example, allow drivers to use both CarPlay features and Sync features simultaneously, giving the example of a user accessing Apple Maps through CarPlay while listening to Sirius radio, which is handled by Sync. Fields added that the company is exploring the expansion of in-car cellular connectivity across more of its car models.
