From the article, emphasis mine.

Ford also assures those interested in buying the upcoming F-150, Focus, Edge and all-new 2017 Super Duty when they come out later this year that they'll have access to Google's and Apple's in-car tech. "Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only," said Jeffrey Hannah from automotive technology research firm SBD. "The guesswork for consumers is over -- if you buy any 2017 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3, you drive off the lot with both of these innovative technologies ready to go."

 

When I read the Sync 3 information I believe it shuts down most Sync 3 functions when streaming navigation from Android.

The function I hope it brings most to Android is the ability to transmit Waze reports to the speakers rather than the phone speaker. That function is not available on my Kenwood BT receiver unless I go specifically to BT or I am talking on the phone connection.

 

To answer your question.
https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/25/...apple-carplay/

 

Morning all, I drove two F-250's and two F-350's this past weekend at a SD Drive event at a farm show in KS...Apple Car Play was fully functional on all models with a full NAV screen (KR and Plat) I cannot speak for availability without the NAV, didn't ask. The Ford guys told us you had to have your iPhone plugged in via usb (now right below the center stack...near where the upfitters are now) to access and use the Apple Car Play functions due to Apple security protocols. I didnt have more than 20 minutes in each truck, and was focused elsewhere, but I suspect this to be false. Seems fishy to have an Apple system (albeit running on a Ford platform) require a physical tether, rather than Bluetooth.

Bottom line, the trucks are sick, the tech is UNREAL, and my '15 is for sale. LOL

 

I think the Ford guy is right, and I think this is the way it works on every car with this functionality. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.) Bluetooth is very low bandwidth. All the Ford system is doing is replicating the Apple / Android screens on the larger car screen and allowing the touchscreen controls / steering controls to operate them. Your phone is still doing all the work. But just to transfer the video back and forth would require a lot of bandwidth...and thus the USB connection makes sense.

 

From my understanding, Apple Car Play only works while plugged in via USB. I think Apple is in the process of upgrading to make it work via BT, but it does not as of yet.

 

The Navigation system offered is associated with Sirius and features a 5 year prepaid subscription. The basis is Travel Link which includes weather, sports, gas and fuel pricing and locations etc. There is an option from Sirius to add Traffic Link which will give alerts and routing for major highways for a monthly fee.

 

Ah makes sense....the replicating.

 

THAT would be optimal. I dislike cords.

 

5 years eh? Pretty good upgrade from the 6 months. Probably laying down some cash somewhere in the deal for that.

 

The standard satellite is only 6 mos...the nav is 5 years

 

I think the USB port(s) are under a cover at the front of the center console. The idea is you plug your phone in and then close the cover - totally out of sight. If you were using a Bluetooth transfer for a long period of time while driving, the phone's battery would deplete fairly quickly. Therefore, the USB connection keeps the phone charged and provides fast connectivity. Plus, the manufacturers want to keep your hands and eyes as far away from the phone while driving as possible!

 

Apple Car Play pic just posted in Josh's We Own Work thread... didn't see a cord on the phone.

ETA: Ok he said it is corded.

 

Josh did mention though that it was plugged in..

 

Makes sense.

Thanks all.