Experience SYNC 3

What is SYNC 3?

SYNC 3 is Ford's third-generation infotainment system, a capacitive touchscreen running on QNX with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, conversational voice control, and optional built-in navigation. Every APIM we ship is pre-flashed to version 3.4, the latest and most stable build.

What SYNC 3 actually does

Capacitive touchscreen

8-inch (or 4-inch) glass panel with pinch-zoom, swipe, and drag | replacing MyFord Touch's slow resistive screen.

Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Plug in over USB and the phone takes over the screen: Maps, Messages, Spotify, Waze, and hands-free Siri or Google Assistant.

Conversational voice

Natural commands like "I'm hungry" or "Play artist Eagles" | no rigid menu tree. Powered by Nuance.

Built-in navigation (Nav APIMs)

Onboard SD-card maps work without cell service, with lane guidance, 3D landmarks, and live SiriusXM Traffic where equipped.

Audio everywhere

AM/FM, SiriusXM, Bluetooth streaming, USB, and AppLink apps | with presets, browse-by-artist, and EQ under Sound settings.

Wi-Fi updates

SYNC 3 pulls its own software updates over your home Wi-Fi and installs them after key-off. That's how you get to 3.4.

Vehicle integration

Dual-zone climate strip, rear camera with guidelines, park aid, ambient lighting, MyKey, and 911 Assist all live inside SYNC.

Faster QNX platform

SYNC 3 runs on BlackBerry QNX | boots quicker, responds instantly, and is far more stable than the Microsoft-based SYNC 2.

Which version am I on?

Check Settings → General → About SYNC. Every APIM we build ships on the latest 3.4 release.

  • 3.0Launch build (2016 model year). No Android Auto, no Wi-Fi updates.
  • 3.2Added Wi-Fi updating and Android Auto support; better voice recognition.
  • 3.3Faster boot, improved CarPlay handling, refreshed navigation engine.
  • 3.4Current build, restyled home tiles, wireless CarPlay on supported hardware, better phone/media browsing, and the most stable maps release.
Look up your VIN's SYNC version

Nav vs. Non-Nav

A Nav APIM adds Ford's built-in map database stored on the unit, so turn-by-turn directions work with no phone and no cell signal, useful on ranch roads, in the mountains, or anywhere coverage drops. A Non-Nav APIM still gets full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can run Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze from your phone.

Ready to upgrade?

We supply complete plug-and-play SYNC 3 kits. APIM, harnesses, USB hub, and antenna, pre-flashed to 3.4 and as-built configured to your VIN. Professional installation available.