Ok so as we all know Apple Car play will be available in the 2019 models, FINALLY. I read somewhere that 2018 models will be able to upgrade to apple car play with a software update. Probably not going to be a free upgrade, and personally it'll be worth the money.

My question is, has anyone heard any news of an update being available in the future? I honestly forgot the website i read that from so no one ask! lol

 

I would probably take that as a grain of salt because I've never seen Lexus retroactively upgrade any parts of entertainment system via software to add a new feature.

 

 

I agree with you. Doubt the non-nav units would even be considered.

 

 

 

Who said the 2019 IS will be getting Carplay? It's not even on the 2019 NX. For now, only the upcoming new ES and UX is certain.

 

 

This does make lexus look bad and behind the tech curve. Most car buyers have a smartphone now, and the best two navigation systems with the widest user base are apple maps and google maps.

The car mfgs should stick to knowing what they do best -- the cars and not mapping out the ever changing roads worldwide.

I am glad Lexus is finally coming along. Rumor I hear is Lexus is looking at doing some interior 'engineering' to get current with the times. Every car sales count. Perhaps they learned a lesson by observing what Subaru did in their recent model refreshes for the Outback and Forester. If you look at the past history of Lexus cars - it's pretty much the same car for a 5-7 year period, and the 'entertainment,video' interfaces are pretty much set. Subaru wasn't going to wait until the next 'model refresh' in 4-5 years. They turned it around within 1 year. This is a big deal and finally we will see Lexus own up to it. The popular things most car drivers do is either listen to the radio, their own music, or plug in their smart phone to access music/navigation. It's the sensible thing to do to make this tech a seamless experience and be inspired by what BMW and Audi are doing to put the right touches (not over kill).

only 2 Lexus on the list.

 

The free to the customer, better than sliced bread, Apple Carplay and Android Auto
have a underlying problem. Every input made gets collected by and data mined by
Apple and Android. "ABC Liquor Store" or "Mary's House of Pleasure" inputs may
generate e-mail solicitations you didn't want.
Lexus has apparently reached an agreement with Apple (but not Android) to limit
this intrusion so Carplay is coming (at last!) starting with 2019 ES's built after Oct.
dojoman is likely correct, I have never seen new features available retroactively.

 

 

I think the reason Lexus/Toyota won't retrofit older cars is probably due to EMC/EMI test that weren't done on older cars. If you add more electronics it might introduce EMC radiation that might interfere with car's ecu.