2 questions:
1) Has anyone with a Mazda attempted to see if the USB port part number changed from the 2016 to the 2017 model year?
2) Will a 2017 Mazda software update for the Mazda entertainment system work in a 2016? If so, does anyone know if Android Auto and CarPlay is contained within the 2017 software file?
The reason I ask is this - my 2016 Mustang, I was told when it was purchased that CarPlay would be available sometime in 2016 - well that came and went. On the Mustang forum I belong to, other members found out through other Ford forums that Ford released SYNC3 software files that contained the Android Auto and CarPlay updates that could be loaded via a USB stick. These files were downloaded by other folks and placed out on a drive where we could download them ourselves. Now, with that in mind, this process only updated the current SYNC3 software.
The way the Ford system (SYNC3) works is the AA users don't need a USB port to use AA, but iPhone users NEED to use the USB port in order to get CarPlay to work.
It was found out that not only did iPhone users need to do the software update, but they also have to order a new USB port (hardware) and swap the original USB port out and install the new USB port. By doing the software update AND replacing the USB port it now allows iPhone users to utilize CarPlay in a 2016 model.
Without the brains and help from others across automotive forums, we 2016 owners would still be sitting waiting for Ford to "OFFICIALLY" release the software update across all platforms. The software update passed along was actually for a Lincoln. Now the 2016 owners who needed to use CarPlay had to put out $60 out of pocket expense to get the new USB port - which to date Ford will not and has not said it would upgrade the hardware for 2016 owners under any provisions.
With the above in mind, I'm wondering if by chance someone is able to decipher the 2017 Mazda software updates to see if AA and CarPlay is imbedded within, and maybe it could be used in a 2016 model? Also would a Mazda owner who wants CarPlay functionality also have to upgrade their USB port to one from a 2017 (IF the same holds true like Ford)?
Just some things to think about...
Here's the Ford thread with details and instructions if anyone has a 2016 Ford (or knows of someone who wants the AA or CarPlay quicker than waiting for Ford to officially release it for the 2016's):
http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41251