Hyundai USA has recently announced that it will be providing a way for their existing base of owners equipped with fairly recent models to gain support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their vehicle’s infotainment system.
Typically, potential owners who are looking for this kind of smartphone compatibility would have to wait for a dealer-level software update or, worse, until they buy a new car for a bump in infotainment tech. But Hyundai has worked around, needing only basic computer literacy to perform the free upgrade at home – there’s a fee if you’d want it done at a dealer.
Owners can head over to www.myhyundai.com - and from there enter their car’s VIN number to ensure that their particular vehicle is eligible for the update. To continue they’d need to supply a USB thumb drive or SD card, load up the downloaded software and plug that into their car’s USB or SD port.
Barry Ratzlaff, executive director, digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America commented on the news saying, "Launching smartphone integrations on these existing models through MyHyundai will enhance the overall ownership experience.
"Existing owners can now get the most out of their smartphones, by simply loading new software into their cars' infotainment systems. Just a few years ago, they would have had to buy a new car to get such a powerful upgrade."
Hyundai are pushing for a full rollout of cars that are compatible with the smartphone interfaces, with all major models equipped with their 8-inch Navigation system due to have it as a standard feature within the next year.
It’s not known whether this US rollout will mushroom to support vehicles from all over the world – and Australia – but thinking it will likely be soon isn’t stretching the imagination. Adding a feature post-sale with such ease like this opens up an entirely new avenue for Hyundai and gives them a leg-up on manufacturers who haven’t adopted the DIY software upgrade process in an age that is saturated with smartphones and apps.
As reference, the ‘oldest’ model that’s eligible for this upgrade is the 2015 Hyundai Sonata along with the 2015 Genesis. Newer models with the 7-inch touchscreen are also eligible provided they were manufactured recently enough.
For more on Hyundai vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
