Anyone using an iPod via USB? I've tried several generations of iPods, and several USB cables, and my LC won't recognize any of them. Curious whether others are having success and what iPod they are using?

 

No idea about iPod compatibility. Are you using the bottom USB port in the console? That one seems to be the only one that works for data.

 

FWIW, I used to use iPods everywhere. Switched over to USB sticks, works fine in my LC. Easily portable (although I have a stick for each car), no cables required, easy to change/update mix.

 

Hmm, I hope there isn't a fault with my USB data port. I will try a USB stick today. I just got this CPO 2025 LC, so it is still under warranty.

 

Well, USB stick works fine, which makes the lack of iPod access strange. Can anyone confirm iPod use in a 2025 or 2026? I hope they didn't drop the compatibility, since it's a lot easier to sync music on an iPod than on a USB stick...

 

Do you have an iPhone connected to the car at the same time you’re trying to use the hardwired iPod? If so, try disconnecting the phone.

 

Nope, nothing else connected by wire.

 

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the iPod isn't supported. iPods haven't been sold since 2022 (I have 3 lying around the house). They run on a slightly different OS than an iPhone or iPad that I don't think supports CarPlay and some other more current apps. In my last car (2023) before the LC, the iPod wasn't supported directly but could be used to play music through the aux audio input jack. No control through the LC's screen (like CarPlay) - only through the device's screen itself.

 

The manual says it's supported, but maybe they forgot to update it?

 

I never read the manual for indications that an iPod is supported (as I never intended to use mine). So, you could be right that it is supported. Or, maybe they dropped support with 2024 models and beyond because of the new infotainment system (and forgot to update the manual as you suggested). I would check to see if they specify the method of support for an iPod being through USB (or even Bluetooth) or just through the aux audio in plug.

 

Well, after trying multiple generations of iPods and multiple USB cables, I'm forced to conclude that Lexus dropped support for the iPod somewhere along the way, despite what the 2025 LC 500 manual says. Regular USB flash drives seem to work fine, just not iPods. Disappointing! (iPods are easy to synchronize with your Apple Music library, including automatically transcoding lossless files to smaller formats, which is why I prefer them to USB flash drives.)

 

flohmann, you are incorrect. The LC500 does have native support for the iPod. I use my iPod Touch for all my music in my 2024 LC500 and it works flawlessly. Music sounds fantastic with the high resolution files. Note, you MUST only use one of the the USB ports for iPod support. The other one won't work. It is the USB-A port that supports the iPod perfectly, including displaying the album art and controls on the touchscreen.

 

@schafari thanks, that's exactly the real world evidence that I needed! Have you tried any iPods older than the Touch? I have a mix of iPod Classics and Nanos, none of which are recognized in my 2025 LC. I've confirmed that regular USB flash drives work, and I've tried multiple USB cables.

 

Well, I haven't used my original iPod with an actual hard drive in it for too many years to mention. Its battery is too low to turn on right now, so I am charging it. Once it is charged, I'll try it out and report back tomorrow; however, I do have bad news. On page 222 of the multimedia owners manual, only the iPod Touch 7th gen is listed. . .

 

I had a chance to test my iPod Classic, which does not work with the 24' LC500. However, my iPod Touch 7th generation works perfectly with the LC500.