2018 Mazda6 customers will get a no-cost upgrade to their infotainment systems starting in September.
At last, Mazda will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in their cars. Starting off with the 2018 Mazda6 flagship, dealers will update software on Touring and above trim levels. Owners of Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models can schedule an appointment at their local Mazda dealership to have the no-cost upgrade done. As more automakers adopt the widespread smartphone connectivity platforms, Mazda was one of the few holdouts left in the field.
Last month, we discovered that Mazda offered the upgrade on European models from August. However, we did not get a confirmation from Mazda North American Operations on support in the U.S. While we now have an answer, there was also another interesting piece of information in Mazda’s release.
In addition to the firmware upgrade to the Mazda Connect infotainment system, dealers will also install a more powerful, faster-charging 2.1-amp USB port. Now, we know the 2018 Mazda6 will be the first car to get the upgrade, and that’s the only car Mazda is mentioning for now. That said, Mazda models from 2014 onwards are fitted with the same infotainment system, making a retroactive upgrade feasible on other models. Cars across Mazda’s lineup, including the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 all share the same basic infotainment system.
Coming as standard equipment to the Mazda6 in November
At this time, Mazda stated that the Mazda6 will be the first to receive the update. By November, 2018 Mazda6 Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment. We’ll provide more information on the update as it becomes available. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!
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