Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Text Messaging - iPhone Integration with Ford Sync

It is unfortunate that a technology leader such as the iPhone is missing a significant feature that RIM and Android have, and likely losing market share accordingly.

Through the "Message Access Profile" bluetooth profile, Ford Sync cars (1+ million sold to date) have the ability to read out your text messages via bluetooth, ensuring that the driver isn't distracted. With so many laws banning driver distractions (hand-free requirements, no text messaging initatives), this is a significant safety issue for today's iPhone owners.

I have seen many posts for years from users wishing that Apple would get on board with this technology, but so far it hasn't been raised as a viable option to implement.

Please reply to this thread if you are one of the 1+ million Ford Sync owners who also own an iPhone and wish this feature was implemented. I luckliy own both a BlackBerry and an iPhone, but not all people do.

PC, Windows 7

Posted on Jul 14, 2010 9:53 AM

212 replies

Nov 14, 2010 9:21 AM in response to CompKingCanada

I too have a Ford with a nav system and Sync....If they don't update by the time my contract is up, i'll jump ship. I love my Ford more than I love my Iphone. C'mon Apple get with the program and update the OS for the iphone so we can get audible texts.

smartsim

Level 1

0 points

Nov 18, 2010 8:20 AM in response to CompKingCanada

The missing Message Access Profile has made me look into buying a Blackberry Torch - I'll need it for my new BMW which will arrive next month. I'm an Apple fan, but might have to drift to the dark side instead of picking up the iPhone 4!!

Dr Tone

Level 1

9 points

Nov 25, 2010 7:24 PM in response to CompKingCanada

Come on apple implement MAP already!!! My new truck with the sync system is coming in June.

Dec 17, 2010 9:07 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I just got a new F150 with sync. Its sad that my new hi-tech vehicle is treating me like second class because I use an iphone 4. My phone is $200, my truck is over $50000. Although I love my iphone, guess which one is easier for me to change. Apple better wake up and put this on top of the priority list. The next big wave in technology upgrades will be in automobiles. A lot of people spend a significant time in their vehicles which makes this an extremely important feature. It appears that Microsoft, Google, and RIM are on this bandwagon and Apple is just being left in the dust. I'll wait for the next iOS preview, If there is no mention of better sync integration, I will be switching my mobile platform. Its just that important of a feature.

Dec 22, 2010 4:44 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I agree, I am ready to jump ship as well and plan on doing so as soon as my contract is up. I have question about the blackberry, i can not get my blackberry 8530 to connect using text messages either. any advice?

Wrenches

Level 1

0 points

Dec 26, 2010 8:47 AM in response to CompKingCanada

I too just purchased a 2011 Edge with the my ford touch system and can not use the text feature because both my wife and I have an Iphone. When will Apple fix this problem and implement an upgrade to allow the full use of these features?

Jan 31, 2011 9:08 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I am also shocked! I just purchased a new 2011 Taurus and was excited when reading about the texting feature on the Sync. But very upset and shocked to find out that one of the most popular phones (iphone) is unsupported with this feature. What is up with that? can apple fix this?

rammer12

Level 1

0 points

Feb 9, 2011 8:48 AM in response to Dario Pompei

Im with you,

I got a $30,000 focus, vs a $300 iphone. No brainer to switch this. I would gladly switch to the Android if this is not fixed by the time my contract comes up.

Its in your hands apple, are you working on it, are you considering it, my guess, since no response, is that you dont care and wont do it.

Goodbye iPhone eta:1 year

Feb 24, 2011 11:20 AM in response to CompKingCanada

I have a 2010 F150 with Sync. My wife has a DROID X that is compatible with the texting feature. I figured hey, if the DROID is supported, the IPHONE should be. Wrong. I am a new Verizon Iphone User but will switch to the Droid X if there is nothing done. This is something apple needs to put on the top of the list. Would even be willing to pay a small fee for this to happen.

ishoko

Level 1

0 points

Mar 8, 2011 10:33 AM in response to CompKingCanada

My Ford Fiesta can't read text messages from iPhone 4, it's equipped with Sync and I'd like to use this feature but it seems it's going to be with another device (Android, WP) because I've read Apple is not concerned about this issue.

ajwd

Level 1

15 points

Mar 20, 2011 5:52 AM in response to CompKingCanada

I just bought a Ford Focus with Sync. I read the iPhone will be supported in early 2011. Well, it is March 20th. What is the hold-up? This seems like a feature that Apple would be all about. They promote education and safety. What could be safer than hands-free texting? Let's get this DONE!

Mar 22, 2011 4:03 PM in response to Nappa231

I use the USB all the time for my old-school iPod. It auto-plays from my iPhone, but I have to switch to USB for more playlists (bigger HDD on old iPod than the iPhone). Oddly though, when I say 'audio', 'USB' is not an option on the screen. Line-in is, but if i say USB, it plays from my iPod just fine.

fl2

Level 1

1 points

Mar 22, 2011 8:29 PM in response to ajwd

Maybe iOS5 will change this? I love my iphone and I will not leave them regardless of this feature but I'm happy to see them getting pressure to improve because there is FINALLY some good competition out there for them. Sometimes I wonder WHY oh WHY do they simply not update some features that millions of people want

Like the ability to selective delete recent calls instead of the entire list. Now how hard could that be??? Come on!

loopyalc

Level 1

0 points

Mar 28, 2011 9:22 PM in response to fl2

Just adding to the outcry. 2011 Ford Edge Driver. Love the Sync/MyFord Touch. Hate that the iPhone does not play nice nice. No text translation and no contact photos to the screen.

Kudos for recent updates making bluetooth audio non-flakey (that was either Apple or Sync updates..not sure which stablized it).

Apple, please listen and support this new standard for reading texts while driving...may help sell more iPhones in the face of Droid and WinMoPho7.

OR just partner with someone so I can hook my iPad to the dash/car and it works like the Sync/MyFord Touch screen and whoop Microsoft's in-car tech!

C Fire

Level 1

0 points

Apr 13, 2011 1:23 PM in response to CompKingCanada

Just purchased a Lincoln and was very disappointed the SYNC text messaging won't work with iPhone. I went to Ford's site and asked them about it and they said it's an Apple thing. I can't believe this thread was started last year and Apple hasn't resolved yet. I mean come on, IT'S A SAFETY FEATURE

Let's hope we get a remedy soon so we don't all have to learn how to use a new smartphone. I think the SYNC safety benefit is definitely worth the trade & learning how to use a new phone and saying goodbye to my beloved iPhone until they resolve, if ever, because my Linclon isn't going anywhere!

Text Messaging - iPhone Integration with Ford Sync