Text Messaging - iPhone Integration with Ford Sync

For all those complaining becaue Apple isn't doing what's necessary to make things you think should work with SYNC work the way you want them to, you need to take a step back and consider reality here for a minute...

SYNC is a Microsoft product. Microsoft has to take at least as much blame for the "problems" you're having as Apple. Probably a lot more in my opinion.

Apple never claimed that the iPhone would work with every concievable bluetooth accessory that would ever be invented.

Does the manual for SYNC indicate the iPhone is compatible? If not, then go compain about something else. If so, then maybe you should be whining to Ford about this instead of on a user to user forum for Apple products.

Just jumping in here. I just took delivery of a 2011 Jeep Liberty Limited. The Bluetooth voice commands for the phone & iPod features on my iPhone 4 work great. When I tried to setup the Voice Activated Messaging the system wouldn't even try it. I have the 730N RHR uConnect with Voice Recognition. I was disappointed to find that messaging doesn't work, after having been very excited when I read about it in the manual. I intentionally stayed away from Ford because I didn't have any faith in Microsoft/Apple being compatible. Chrysler/Jeep come with iPod adapter built in, (on some models). So it's not just Fords that are having the issue, add Chrysler too.

I agree...This is not only a feature in the Ford Vehicles.....I purchased a BMW which now comes with Mobile Office allowing you to view Text and Emails as well....DOESNT WORK WITH IPHONE!

Just brought a 2011 Ford Explorer 4WD LTD with the SYNC system also. Wish the Text Messaging option worked. Especially in CALIORNIA!

Apple needs to get on board with all the other portable operating systems and support speak to text period. I would love for the text feature to work with my Ford, but the fact that it won't read my emails or texts at all is far behind the times of all the others. Droid does it, HP does it, etc...... Please apple make the iphone read texts and emails and make it compatible with the automobile technology.

Totally agree. MAP is used with more than just Ford and Sync. As Rodweaver mentioned BMW mobile office uses it to give you access to your emails and txt. I do a lot of time in my car and had to switch back to Blackberry. With an app purchase on my blackberry I get my calendar and tasks as well. I truly wish I could get this on my iPhone. I would switch back in a heartbeat.

Does anyone have any real information on what or if Apple is planning on doing about the text messaging problem and Ford SYNC? Are they truly trying to fix it or are they say too bad, not their problem?

Just bought my 2012 Focus two days ago, was very disappointed that the text reader did not work on the messages.

Why should they do anything at all? Apple doesn't have a problem. Go talk to Microsoft or Ford. SYNC is their product.

You need to stop and think before you reply or at least research it before offering a uninformed opinion. It is absolutely Apple's problem. In-car systems like Microsoft Sync and BMW's iDrive leverage a Bluetooth profile called MAP or Message Access Profile which is implemented ON THE PHONE. The MAP Bluetooth profile allows the phone to push up text or email messages to the car's display as they arrive on the phone.

Apple has not implemented MAP. And thus it does not work with these in-car systems. Certian Blackberry, Android, Nokia and others handset manufactures have.

Thank you Remy-K,

Before people start defending Apple, do a little research. Trust me, I love my iPhone and my MacBook, and I know Apple doesn't like to do what others are. But in this case I think they should, which could probably be solved with a small update. It would make many users very happy and would not hurt Apple in anyway, if anything it might even help them sell more phones.

OK this thread has sort of fallen off for a while - just wondering if there are any updates to the issue? Had my SYNC for almost a year - haven't bought an iPhone yet. But to all those early posts saying "I guess I will have to switch...." ya, switch to what? Switch to a RAZR? Sony Ericsson sirca 1998? Has anyone actually made the Text-read feature work with any phone released in the last 4 years? Hey my RAZR was cool and I used it for two whole glorious weeks with SYNC before I switched to something with a full keyboard. Anyway, this may very well be Apple's problem, but it seems to me that no one else is really catching up either. Please list the phones that you own that work well with the SYNC texting feature, I would really appreciate it. And I'm not talking about a fancy Lincoln with the touchscreen, just plain good ol' basic Ford SYNC. thanks!

As far as I've been able to find Motorola and Nokia are the only phone manufacturers who ever actually signed off on the standards for the protocol. Everyone else has pretty much ignored it.

so, what Infotainment system do you have in your car that works with your I-phone? Apple doesn't make one. And it is Apple's PROBLEM. Bluetooth in our cars are needed and aren't breaking the Cell phone laws of most states......Well the next Laws to be strongly inforced is The Text issue....SO, in order to be safe and keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, MAP is pretty much standard in Cell phones, well at least the smart ones, Sounds like Apple doesn't care about your safety and has another way of Controlling you, the customer!

Again, you uninformed person. People want to know what car and system do you own that doesn't have this problem? So, until you can come up with a system that Apple makes sure it plays nice with, then move on. Android has already passed in sales and total ownership of android in it's short time being here then Apples Total Life. And I will say, I don't like Android or Apples OS. WE are adults and our SmartPhones look like something my little sister would play with.