Does Ford Ranger Have Apple CarPlay (What Ford Trucks Do?)

The Ford Ranger 2020 is a ride that most - if not all- adult Americans want to own. If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering what entertainment features it provides, and if it has the convenient Apple CarPlay. Wonder no more. We’re here to make things clear for you, so you know what you’re getting into when you buy this fabulous compact pickup truck.

You'll be happy to know that Ford Ranger has Apple CarPlay. Other Ford trucks with Apple CarPlay are:

  • 2017 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2019 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2016 Ford F-150
  • 2018 Ford F-150
  • 2020 Ford F-150
  • 2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2018 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2020 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2019 Ford Ranger
  • 2019 Ford F-150
  • 2017 Ford F-150

If you know you want a Ford but don’t know much about trim levels, you’ve made the right choice by looking to us for answers. We’ll make everything more manageable by breaking down the trucks above individually in the post below. From what Apple CarPlay is to whether you can put it in an older car, we’ve served you with answers to the most common questions. Keep reading for more!

A collage of a 2019 ford ranger and an apple carplay, Does Ford Ranger Have Apple CarPlay (What Ford Trucks Do?)

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What Is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is ‘your ultimate co-pilot’, according to Apple. It takes the user interface of your iPhone and puts it in the infotainment screen of your car’s dash. With CarPlay, you can integrate your favorite podcasts, fave shows, and preferred music into your ride.

You can also call friends and family and safely use apps while driving your vehicle. Many of CarPlay’s features are accessed using Siri, which is Apple’s digital assistant. Suppose your car doesn’t have car-recognition technology, no worries. You can navigate the software using buttons found on the center console and steering wheel or the touch screen in the dashboard.

Which Ford Trucks have Apple CarPlay?

1. 2017 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty

The F-Series Super Duty, or Ford Super Duty, in short, is a series of trucks crafted by Ford Manufacturing Company. The F-250 and F-350 are part of the series. Their trim levels with Apple CarPlay are:

  • Limited (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Platinum (standard)
  • King Ranch (standard)
  • XLT (optional as part of a package)
  • Lariat (optional as part of a package)

2. 2019 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty

  • Platinum (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • King Ranch (standard)
  • Limited (standard)
  • XLT (optional as part of a package)
  • Lariat (standard)

3. 2016 Ford F-150

The 2016 Ford F-150 can only run Apple CarPlay if it is equipped with SYNC 3. All you need to do is update the software.

4. 2018 Ford F-150

  • Raptor (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Platinum (standard)
  • Lariat (standard)
  • Limited (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • King Ranch (standard)

5. 2020 Ford F-150

  • Platinum (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Raptor (standard)
  • Lariat (standard)
  • King Ranch (standard)
  • XLT (standard)
  • Limited (standard)

6. 2016 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty

Like the 2016 model, these trucks need to have an updated SYNC 3 to run Apple CarPlay.

7. 2018 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty

  • King Ranch (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Platinum (standard)
  • Limited (standard)
  • Lariat (standard)
  • XLT (optional as part of a package)

8. 2020 Ford F-250 F-350 Super Duty

  • Lariat (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Limited (standard)
  • XLT (standard)
  • Platinum (standard)
  • King Ranch (standard)

9. 2019 Ford Ranger

  • Lariat (standard)
  • XL (not available at the time of writing this post)
  • XLT (available alternative from the factory)

10. 2019 Ford F-150

  • Raptor (standard)
  • Platinum (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Limited (standard)
  • Lariat (standard)
  • XLT (standard)
  • King Ranch (standard)

11. 2017 Ford F-150

  • Platinum (standard)
  • XL (optional as part of a package)
  • Lariat (standard)
  • Raptor (standard)
  • Limited (standard)
  • King Ranch (standard)
  • XLT (optional as part of a package)

Is There A Fee For Apple CarPlay?

According to Apple, there’s no fee for Apple CarPlay to manufacturers. Car manufacturers, however, may charge you a fee to get it installed. That’s why most trim levels have the ‘optional’ alternative when it comes to Apple CarPlay.

Apple makes some money by providing an alternative GPS operating system to the car manufacturers at a fee. Carmakers are also earning some cash by charging their customers for it. 

What Year Did Ford Start Using Apple CarPlay?

Ford started using Apple CarPlay in 2017. It installed the necessary software in 2017 models. Users of the 2016 Ford model also got a taste of the delicious offer thanks to Ford’s accepting to install it in any MY 2016 cars equipped with their SYNC 3 infotainment software.

This is a mega first for the company as most other car companies don’t provide such a generous offer.

What Is Ford’s SYNC 3 Infotainment System?

Ford’s SYNC 3 system has been around since 2007. At the time, the system only allowed drivers to link their phones to the car via Bluetooth, using controls of the vehicle to handle specific functions such as sending text messages, navigation, and phone calls.

All SYNC systems provide the same basic functionality that links your smartphone to the vehicle through USB or Bluetooth. It then enables you to operate particular apps through steering wheel controls or voice control.

SYNC 3, on the other hand, allows you to remain connected even when you’re driving. Its color touchscreen shows the frequently-used features with easy-to-read icons and text. Be it through swiping and pinching some features or a light tap; one thing’s for sure: The sensitive SYNC 3 responds impressively quickly.

How Do I Activate Apple CarPlay?

If your Ford vehicle has a SYNC 3 multimedia system, you’re steps away from a revolutionary way to connect with your precious ride as you drive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can activate Apple CarPlay:

  1. Ensure that Siri and CarPlay are activated on your Apple iPhone.
  2. Link your Apple iPhone to your Ford USB port using an Apple-approved Lightning-to-USB cable. If you’re not sure where it is, please consult your owner’s manual.
  3. Wait for a notification message on your SYNC 3 multimedia screen. Once you receive the message, press Continue > Agree.
  4. Congratulations! You have linked your iPhone and Ford vehicle through Apple CarPlay. Anytime you connect your Apple iPhone through USB, your SYNC 3 multimedia display will automatically switch to Apple CarPlay.

Can You Put Apple CarPlay In An Older Car?

Details of App and icons on the the Apple CarPlay main screen in modern car dashboard during driving Mapos, music and Podcasts

Yes, you can put Apple CarPlay in an older car. Apple CarPlay is a relatively new form of technology, and older vehicles aren’t equipped to handle the system. All you need to do is upgrade the audio system of your car, and you’ll be in the CarPlay bandwagon in no time.

Can You Add Apple CarPlay Aftermarket?

Yes, you can add Apple CarPlay Aftermarket. This is the easiest route to take.

You first have to determine which aftermarket system will work for your car. If your vehicle is ten years or older, it probably has a ‘single DIN’ opening for a radio. Newer rides, say five or so years old, usually have a double-DIN.

DIN stands for “Dietch Industri Normen”, which is a German term that refers to the ideal stereo size that German automakers installed in cars back in the ’80s.

On average, it costs $700 to add Apple CarPlay to your old vehicle. Of course, the figure can vary depending on the type of ride you have and the mechanic you approach. Head units usually range from around $400 at the entry-level to over $2,000 at the top rung.

If you’d love to go the more straightforward online route, the Sony XAVAX1000 is an excellent choice for a double-DIN aftermarket option.

Click here to view this product on Amazon.

For the ‘single DIN’ alternative, the Alpine Ilx-F309 Halo 9 will work perfectly.

Click here to view this product on Amazon.

Apple CarPlay: Taking Convenience To A Whole New Level

Whether you’re rooting for Apple or booing it, you have to admit: Apple CarPlay is a genius way to keep in touch with all that matters to you as you drive. It’s even more convenient if you’re driving various cars in a single day.

Apple has gone the extra mile to make its product available to cars as pocket-friendly as the Kia Picanto, which shows the company’s dedication to offering quality at zero to no cost.

Conclusion

Ford’s minor faults when it comes to manufacturing compact pickup trucks include being a bit stingy with space and paying less attention to upgrading their trucks’ appearance. Regardless, their smartest move is adding the Apple CarPlay to a majority of their models- If you’ve got a CarPlay-enabled Ford model, you can back us up on this one.   

Thanks for reading our post. We believe you’ve got all the answers you need, and if you were skeptical about Apple CarPlay before, you aren’t now. Join the Apple CarPlay revolution if you haven’t yet and experience convenience like never before.

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