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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

Apr 13, 2011 1:33 PM in response to CompKingCanada

Cmon Apple, serious this is a safety issue. Our teenage daughter drives our Ford with Sync and handsfree phone works, music, directions, everything she needs to keep her hands on the wheel and then Apple iPhone 4 does not allow texting to work with it. A teenagers biggest distraction in life. This is inexcusable. I switched to Apple a few years ago and have sold more Apple products including getting my 73 year old Mother a macbook, (she has her own website and photo gallery from going to 1to1) and iPad and iPhone 4. Our whole family uses iPhones. PLEASE get this resolved. This is MORE IMPORTANT THAN IF YOU IDENTIFIED A MAJOR SECURITY FLAW IN SNOW OS! ALL HANDS ON DECK STEVE, THIS COULD SAVE LIVES

Apr 13, 2011 1:44 PM in response to Crocket007

Voice texting in a car is unsafe too. What do most people do when they voice text? They look at the radio area and talk to it, and thus take their eyes off the road. It is a DISTRACTION to driving and the last thing we need on the roads is two ton vehicles with distracted drivers. They are just as bad as drunk drivers.

Apr 13, 2011 5:33 PM in response to Crocket007

you are not addressing anyone from Apple here. This is a user to user forum.

C Fire

Level 1

0 points

Apr 14, 2011 10:00 AM in response to CompKingCanada

FYI if you log into your SYNC account you can find a list of phones that have voice texting capability in the FAQ's "Why can’t I get text messages through SYNC?" They are showing only 2 phones Flight and Cosmos. Guess the technology is too new and it will take some time for the phone companies to catch up.

C Fire

Level 1

0 points

Apr 14, 2011 10:02 AM in response to Barry Porter1

was hoping someone here figured out a workaround...

Apr 16, 2011 11:03 PM in response to Nappa231

I too am having the exact same issue with my iphone4 and sync! I thought I just hadnt pushed the right button somewhere!!!

It will work via bluetooth......

and texting? NOPE!

zlee11

Level 1

10 points

May 3, 2011 5:35 AM in response to CompKingCanada

Bump.

Really need the MAP profile. BMW X3 on order.

What is taking so long? It would seem to me that this would be a priority.

May 9, 2011 9:08 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I am yet another person looking for this functionality... Just picked up a Focus Titanium sedan with myFord Touch and alas no text-messaging support. Here's to hoping something is coming down the pipe!

May 15, 2011 10:48 AM in response to CompKingCanada

Just bought a new F150, would like to have MAP technology in the next OS update! It's sad how many OLD cell phones have this capability.

Ziatron

Level 5

4,186 points

May 15, 2011 11:54 AM in response to Crocket007

I wouldn't worry about it, ANY use of a mobile phone in a car will soon be banned anyway.

"States should ban drivers from using hand-held and hands-free cell phones, and businesses should prohibit employees from using cell phones while driving on the job, the congressionally chartered National Safety Council says,"

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,479186,00.html

May 15, 2011 8:46 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I would like to have the text to speech capability, as well as the ability to download my phonebook with pictures.

strausd

Level 1

0 points

May 19, 2011 11:26 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I just got a new 2012 Ford Focus and so far I love it. The only downside is not having my texts read to me, so instead I just wait to get to a stop light to read them. It's not a big deal, but considering that in a way Apple is sort of a luxury brand, it would be nice if they stepped up their game to add features more people could use.

On a different note, does anyone know if there is a way to enable this using JB, or if it is even possible on a JBed iPhone?

KiltedTim

Level 10

196,239 points

May 20, 2011 10:29 AM in response to KE84

You're not talking to Apple. You're talking to other users. No one here can do anything about your problem.

May 27, 2011 10:05 PM in response to CompKingCanada

Yes this make me mad also - guess I'll give up my iphone

Jun 3, 2011 2:33 PM in response to CompKingCanada

I just bought a new Ford Focus Hatchback with SYNC, and I agree -- it's very disappointing that the iPhone doesn't support bluetooth text messaging. Since I text more than I make calls, it would be REALLY useful to have the text messaging capability. It's an important safety feature, and I think Apple needs to make this a priority with the next iOS update.

Text Messaging - iPhone Integration with Ford Sync