Honda’s $112 Plus software update

 Honda’s software update for wireless CarPlay, also supports Android Auto

Honda is taking a stand against planned obsolescence with a fresh initiative. They’re letting dealers work their magic to give 2018–2022 Accords a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade for a modest fee. Company is making an official retrofit option available to select cars that brings support for wireless Apple CarPlay, as well as wireless Android Auto. Although the new feature will not be available over the air — a dealer technician will have to do it — it will be accomplished thanks to a software update. The new tech will be available to Honda Accords from the 2018-2022 model years that were originally equipped with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Honda anticipates that the new software will enable as many as 631,000 Accords that are already on the road to suddenly use the third-party infotainment software wirelessly. It claims that this will help keep the vehicles relevant to their owners and on the road longer, ultimately making them greener. The Honda Accord is one of the most popular cars sold today and has long supported Android Auto and CarPlay. However, support for wireless connectivity was only added in the most recent model years. Now, Honda is making a retrofit option available that brings wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto available to older Accord models.

This retrofit is technically just a software update, but one that comes with a fee. The retrofit is available to 2018 through 2022 Honda Accord models with an 8-inch touchscreen which already have wired CarPlay and Android Auto. Car and Driver reported that the option, which is now available at Honda dealers, will cost $112 and supports wireless Android Auto alongside wireless CarPlay. For any newly-purchased certified pre-owned models which are eligible, Honda will install the upgrade for free. Honda says over 630,000 vehicles are eligible for the upgrade.

“This quick software update enables customers to leverage hardware already in their Honda vehicle to enjoy seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” said Jay Joseph, VP of sustainability and business development at American Honda. “Enhancing the ownership experience and market value of Honda vehicles already in use is a key strategy in pursuit of our goal to have zero environmental impact by 2050.” In addition to the $112 minimum cost of the upgrade, you’ll also have to pay whatever labour fee for the technician’s time at the local dealership, potentially putting this upgrade at $150-$200. Meanwhile, just using an adapter is way cheaper. AAWireless supports adding Android Auto (and CarPlay in beta) to any car for around $70, and there are even cheaper versions which work moderately well too. It is not clear how long the new software will take to install.