Future of Ford Infotainment Systems

[thomasm23]

For 2025 model year Ford/Lincoln vehicles sold in the US, no vehicles are using SYNC 3.4

2025 Model Year Vehicles US/Canada

SYNC 3.4
None

SYNC 4
Escape
Bronco Sport
Maverick
Bronco (Full Size)
Mustang
F150
Super Duty
Transit
E-Series
Corsair

SYNC 4A
Mustang Mach-E
F150 Lightning
Ranger

Ford Digital Experience
Explorer
Expedition
Nautilus
Aviator
Navigator

Note: SYNC 4A has a portrait vertical screen.

Ford has announced that the company wants to support a single system. That would be Ford Digital Experience.

https://fordauthority.com/2025/05/ford-f-150-and-ranger-among-models-that-will-ditch-sync-4/

Vehicles that currently utilize SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A will move to Ford Digital Experience when the next redesign or refresh occurs. Unlike General Motors, Ford has committed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the future.

Bronco Sport just moved to SYNC 4 for 2025 model year. The earliest for a refresh is probably 2028 model year.

SYNC 3.4 and earlier are legacy platforms. Navigation Map updates will continue for the near future. We may have received our last SYNC 3.4 update with Build 23188. This build is now two years old.

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[Dude]

More about Ford Digital Experience …

The Ford Digital Experience is Ford’s next-generation infotainment platform, developed in close collaboration with Google. It is built on the Android Automotive OS, a version of Android tailored specifically for in-vehicle use. This platform is distinct from the older Ford Sync system and is designed to provide a more seamless, responsive, and customizable user experience.

Key Features
• Integrated Google Services: The system offers built-in access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, allowing users to download apps like Spotify, YouTube, and Webex directly to the vehicle. This integration enables over-the-air software updates and a more dynamic app ecosystem. 
• Enhanced Hardware Performance: Compared to the previous Sync 4 system, the Digital Experience boasts five times faster main processing and nearly 14 times faster graphics processing. It also features four times the memory and eight times the storage capacity, along with 5G connectivity and an available Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Unified Computing Platform: Ford has transitioned from using separate modules for the instrument cluster and infotainment system to a single, unified module. This change facilitates faster software updates and improved responsiveness to user commands. 
• Personalization and Customization: Users can personalize their driving experience with customizable widgets and displays. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of smartphones.

Hosting and Development

While the platform is based on Android Automotive OS, Ford has taken a more hands-on approach by developing a significant portion of the software in-house. This strategy allows for quicker updates and the creation of unique features tailored to Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

In summary, the Ford Digital Experience represents a significant leap forward in vehicle infotainment, combining the familiarity and versatility of Android with Ford’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design.

 

[Dude]

Regarding Sync 3.4 used in the ‘21-‘24 Bronco Sports…

Software Platform Hosted On: Ford Sync 3.4 runs on BlackBerry’s QNX Neutrino RTOS (Real-Time Operating System). This is an embedded operating system known for its:
• High reliability and security
• Real-time performance
• Use in automotive, aerospace, and medical systems

QNX was used for Sync versions 3.x and is not Android-based (unlike the newer Ford Digital Experience built on Android Automotive).

The modem hardware used in Sync 3.4-equipped vehicles often includes:
• 4G LTE (aligned with 3GPP Release 9 to Release 12 specs depending on the modem version and year)
• In some earlier models, 3G connectivity (aligned with 3GPP Release 7/8) — many of these are now obsolete as 3G networks have been shut down in most regions (e.g., AT&T shut down 3G in 2022)

So while Sync 3.4 doesn’t run a 3GPP stack, the embedded modem adheres to 3GPP specifications for cellular connectivity.

Known End of Life (EOL)

Ford has not publicly declared a formal end-of-life date for Sync 3.4, but:
• Software updates and map updates are still available as of 2025 for many Sync 3.4 systems
• However, modem-dependent services (such as remote start, vehicle location via FordPass) may be limited or no longer supported on 3G-based vehicles due to cellular network shutdowns.

 

[Warped9]

Something based on Android doesn’t inspire me with confidence.

 

[wiyeti]

Something based on Android doesn’t inspire me with confidence.

Probably be listening to all your conversations and pulling up ads on your screen.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

You are the product with Google Android.

Welcome to the dystopian future predicted in the movie Idiocracy

You can't even pump gas in your vehicle without getting bombarded with ads.

 

[Iamcanadian]

Something based on Android doesn’t inspire me with confidence.

Sounds like you need to educate yourself. Going to the Android system is going to be far superior to anything else I could put in there. Thankfully they didn't switch to an apple system. That would have been a disaster

 

[Iamcanadian]

Probably be listening to all your conversations and pulling up ads on your screen.

That has nothing to do with an Android system. If you device has a microphone it's already doing that regardless of what OS you're operating.

 

[wiyeti]

That has nothing to do with an Android system. If you device has a microphone it's already doing that regardless of what OS you're operating.

Calm down bud, was a play on Google and their omnipresence. Didn't realize Google vs Apple was such a sensitive subject. I've put myself down for sensitivity training as a 2025 stretch goal, so you can expect better of me.

 

[Warped9]

Sounds like you need to educate yourself. Going to the Android system is going to be far superior to anything else I could put in there. Thankfully they didn't switch to an apple system. That would have been a disaster

Sorry, but I hate Android. I find it a nightmare.

 

[Iamcanadian]

Sorry, but I hate Android. I find it a nightmare.

It's not a nightmare, you can do so much more with it. That's what makes a preferred choice for something like an infotainment system.

 

[Warped9]

It's not a nightmare, you can do so much more with it. That's what makes a preferred choice for something like an infotainment system.

You like it, fine. I can’t stand it. Then again I don’t for infotainment systems either.

 

[Sojourner]

...pulling up ads on your screen.

^^^ This ^^^ is almost certainly where it's headed based on a number of articles I've read concerning "adding revenue streams" (for both Google and vehicle manufacturers).

I would be less concerned about Android if it was a bare bones (i.e., no Google) variant. But it won't be b/c it will integrate Google-specific features into the vehicle's OS. I was and remain content not using Android Auto (or Apple's app) as I don't want anything Google in my vehicle.

If Ford were serious about the infotainment OS being solely for the owner it would have went with a true Linux-based OS. Ford going with Android AND adding integrated Google features shows me (YMMV) that the owner is secondary. As @elvisimprsntr mentioned, we are the product. I would add two caveats, though. First, we may be the product, but it isn't free (because ads ARE coming to an infotainment screen near you even though you just paid for the vehicle). And second, it ain't just Google/Android who sees you as the product. It's also Apple, auto insurance companies, and other "bad guys" such as Meta and Amazon and they will ALL worm their way on to your screen.

FWIW

Edit: I use Android-based phones and prefer them to Apple's iOS. So nothing against Android per se. My problem is I don't want a Googled-up Android running the screen of my vehicle and being integrated into the vehicle's "black box," etc. I have privacy concerns and Google has done nothing (ever) to persuade me that I shouldn't be concerned.

 

[Mark S.]

I would be less concerned about Android if it was a bare bones (i.e., no Google) variant.

While Google didn't invent Android OS, it has been developing the software since 2005; today's Android OS wouldn't exist without Google. I don't believe there is any "variant" of Android (used in a commercial context) that doesn't involve Google.

 

[Sojourner]

While Google didn't invent Android OS, it has been developing the software since 2005; today's Android OS wouldn't exist without Google. I don't believe there is any "variant" of Android (used in a commercial context) that doesn't involve Google.

What I mean by a "clean Android" OS is along the lines of what some phone users do by rooting their phones and installing a custom ROM that is stripped of all linkages to Google's servers by default (whereby any linkages are then only by user choice).

But I agree; any variant of Android like what I imagine Ford will use WILL involve Google. And that bothers me. Yes, I know we can't escape being tracked these days. But that doesn't mean I have to just give up. I remember the good 'ole days when one could get in one's car, drive wherever one wanted and one didn't need to be concerned/wonder if the microphone in the car was recording what was being said or one's location was being monitored or how many burn-outs or hard brakes were being reported via some (direct or circuitous) route to one's insurance company.

As an aside, I am in the camp that says Google (or whatever the parent company is called today) stole Android. Which, historically, remains pretty much Google's MO.

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