2019 WRX and STi get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto... BUT

[shake-rattle-n-roll]

No pics of the new units, especially that backside?

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[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by Jewbaru

Yep, BUT, it has to be enabled within the device. So any 8.0 device is capable, but most don't support it. I discovered this when my S9 wouldn't connect. :-(

Google is "working with vendors", but who knows when it'll be switched on to a wider audience.

Root it and enable with config. I haven't had a need to root my phone since I had an S3, so I can't help you there other than state that enabling a device for WiFi AA is going to be out there. It was probably one of the first things done when Oreo came out, knowing the mindset of Android hackers.

Originally Posted by caschnd1

I wanted Apple CarPlay in my 2018 STi so I installed a Pioneer AVIC 8200NEX head unit. It's Android based. $620 for the HU and about $150 for the harness bits, dash surround, etc. No modifications needed to the OEM harness.

That looks really good. Unfortunately, Pioneer has discontinued the 8200 and replaced it with the 8400, which costs $1200. I'm leaning towards the 2400, which is only $400.

And I wish there was a dash kit which matched the color and texture of the dash. Piano black looks good, but it's too shiny and someone else said it was a fingerprint magnet.

[caschnd1]

You can still get the AVIC 8200NEX. It's easy to find and order online. Here is the first link that popped up when I googled it. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-7...Play/187298175

You could have the dash surround wrapped in a mat black or carbon fiber to more closely match the interior. I have a Type RA and everything is piano black in that car so it was a perfect match. It is a finger print magnet. But since there are no radio buttons anymore, I don't need to touch the bezel area, so it's kind of a wash.

-Craig

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by caschnd1

You can still get the AVIC 8200NEX. It's easy to find and order online. Here is the first link that popped up when I googled it. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-7...Play/187298175

You could have the dash surround wrapped in a mat black or carbon fiber to more closely match the interior. I have a Type RA and everything is piano black in that car so it was a perfect match. It is a finger print magnet. But since there are no radio buttons anymore, I don't need to touch the bezel area, so it's kind of a wash.

-Craig

But with Google Maps, who needs HU-based Nav?

Gmaps has Offline maps that you download when you know you'll be in an area with no or little data coverage. Eg, where we live there's about zero cell coverage (a service black hole that no one really cares to spend the money to remedy with a cell tower). So, I just have the greater area (including areas with coverage) in one of my offline maps I downloaded onto my phone when I had wi-fi access.

[caschnd1]

Oh yeah! I totally agree. I wanted the Apple CarPlay for easy integration with my phone. All my audio entertainment comes from my phone. I use Apple Maps for navigation (Google Maps won't work with Apple CarPlay until the next major release of iOS). I hardly touch the built in NAV that came with the Pioneer system.

-Craig

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by caschnd1

Oh yeah! I totally agree. I wanted the Apple CarPlay for easy integration with my phone. All my audio entertainment comes from my phone. I use Apple Maps for navigation (Google Maps won't work with Apple CarPlay until the next major release of iOS). I hardly touch the built in NAV that came with the Pioneer system.

-Craig

One thing that may persuade me to Alpine would be that the iLx207 has a GPS antenna that specifically is to feed gps data to the Android or iPhone, as the HU doesn't have its own nav. That way, you can just stuff the phone in the center console, and you'll have an antenna that is getting better visibility and with the car powering the gain on the antenna.

[IndecisiveS12]

damn...amazon has the 8200nex for even cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-.../dp/B01D6IUNEU

[caschnd1]

Great price! The best I could do 8 weeks ago was $620.

[SirBrass]

If you don't want the nav, here's the 2400NEX for $360: https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-MVH-2.../dp/B07D3N8P2K

[Subie Muchacho]

Originally Posted by littledrummerboy

Anyone that works at a dealership seeing a part number for the 2019 headunit with nav+HK yet? I know it’s early, but I noticed on Subaru’s parts site that some 2019 audio system diagrams/parts are showing up under 2018, but not the actual headunit(?). I’m just wondering if the dealership database is the same as the parts site, or if it’s more up-to-date.

Hi. I had the same questions. I went to the Subaru dealership in my area and had the parts guy look up the part number for the 2019 HK+Nav Head Unit using the VIN of a 2019 WRX STI Limited that they had in stock. According to him, the part number for the 2019 HK+Nav Head Unit is 86471VA610 and its MSRP is $2,195.68. They didn't guarantee me that it was going to be plug-and-play with a 2018 STI Limited. Specially because they haven't done it or seen it themselves. They did say, however, that it had to be the same tier radio (e.g., HK+Nav unit vs HK+Nav unit). They also mentioned that it may require an ECU re-flash for the radio to recognize your car (or viceversa) due to it's built-in security measures. There are two more things to consider. First is the fact that the USB ports in the center console are updated in 2019 (possibly due to more bandwidth for CarPlay/Android Auto). In the 2019 the USB ports are labeled as "2.1 Amps", whereas in the 2018 it doesn't say that. The second thing is the antenna. Supposedly, the 2019 Nav is updated over the air as opposed to using an SD card. So it is unclear if the new antenna is required or not for the radio to function. Like many others I'm very interested to know if somebody out there has done or attempted this swap. I want Car Play so bad but want to keep the OEM look and functionalities. Hope this info helps someone out there.

[littledrummerboy]

^ Thanks for the info.

The Subaru parts site has been updated with a 2019 specific section since I posted that, and they're listing part 86471VA710 as what I think is the 2019 Nav+HK unit. I'm not sure how it differs from 86471VA610 you mentioned. Could you let him run that part number and see what he gets?

When it comes to recognizing your car he might be referring to the telematics unit that is sort of the middle man in the US cars. Previous years had issues dealing with telematics if it was bypassed. I'm not sure if it requires a reflash though since I'm pretty sure the HU doesn't interface with anything else other than telematics. In Canada, we don't have that unit, thankfully.

The USB thing though... that is something uncertain. It might be an issue for people with the single USB module that came with the base 6.2". I'd like to think the dual module that came with the Nav+HK HU would be the same? I'm not sure about the over-the-air updates either, but my guess is it should just be built into the HU as long as its wifi.

I wish we could get a pic of the back side of the 2019 HU and compare. It could go a long way to figuring this out before shelling out the money.

[Abaddon33]

So I just joined the Subbie family a few weeks ago. 2018 Sti. I made an appointment for this past Saturday because it's really my only complaint with the car, and I was hoping they would be able to flash a new firmware and fix the problem. The Service Department told me that the 2018's weren't able to use mirrorlink because of some big legal battle and that all the North American cars had to have it disabled. The tech said that the 2019's will have it enabled, but the 2018's compatible with the new HU's. =\ Major bummer. I was really thinking about ringing up SOA to see if there is anything that can be done to fix it without putting in an aftermarket HU. I'm pretty pissed about it tbh. It's ridiculous that I bought a 2018 car that I can't use navigation on and can't charge my phone properly. They need to fix this at no cost to customers.

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by Abaddon33

So I just joined the Subbie family a few weeks ago. 2018 Sti. I made an appointment for this past Saturday because it's really my only complaint with the car, and I was hoping they would be able to flash a new firmware and fix the problem. The Service Department told me that the 2018's weren't able to use mirrorlink because of some big legal battle and that all the North American cars had to have it disabled. The tech said that the 2019's will have it enabled, but the 2018's compatible with the new HU's. =\ Major bummer. I was really thinking about ringing up SOA to see if there is anything that can be done to fix it without putting in an aftermarket HU. I'm pretty pissed about it tbh. It's ridiculous that I bought a 2018 car that I can't use navigation on and can't charge my phone properly. They need to fix this at no cost to customers.

well, if you’re willing to spend for the cost of OEM, keep an eye on this thread and subforum. As more info comes in about the 2019’s HU, people will do retrofits. Or if you’re willing to spend the time on aftermarket, there are lots of resources in this sub forum.

I hear you though, who knew Subaru would actually have this many different infotainment units for one generation? It’s uncharacteristic of them to change hardware the way they have.

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by littledrummerboy

well, if you’re willing to spend for the cost of OEM, keep an eye on this thread and subforum. As more info comes in about the 2019’s HU, people will do retrofits. Or if you’re willing to spend the time on aftermarket, there are lots of resources in this sub forum.

I hear you though, who knew Subaru would actually have this many different infotainment units for one generation? It’s uncharacteristic of them to change hardware the way they have.

Also, keep an eye out in the FS subforums in all the regions.

Because some of us will go aftermarket HUs, even if we get 2019 vehicles. That means we'll have an OEM HU laying around and since OEM cost is about twice what you can get a really good HU for, we'll still make out like bandits, selling your our barely used OEM HU for less than half of what Subaru is charging for it.

That's how I recouped the cost for my BRZ's HU: someone with an FRS wanted the Subaru OEM sat/nav that came with the BRZs, so I solid him mine for $300 (about $150 less than what I paid for the aftermarket HU I got). The guy got a deal on the OEM HU he wanted instead of paying Subaru way more for the OEM part, and I recouped a good bit of the cost of my aftermarket HU. Win-win.

So, watch the FS subforums. Someone will be willing to sell you the HU.

[Abaddon33]

Originally Posted by littledrummerboy

well, if you’re willing to spend for the cost of OEM, keep an eye on this thread and subforum. As more info comes in about the 2019’s HU, people will do retrofits. Or if you’re willing to spend the time on aftermarket, there are lots of resources in this sub forum.

I hear you though, who knew Subaru would actually have this many different infotainment units for one generation? It’s uncharacteristic of them to change hardware the way they have.

Yeah, i don't know either, but it's extremely frustrating. I bought my very first new car ever and I feel like it's broken and even though it's under warranty they won't fix it. It's completely unacceptable in my mind. They need to do a recall and fix the problem at no cost to the owners ASAP. It's not our fault that their legal department screwed up. They need to make it right.

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by Abaddon33

Yeah, i don't know either, but it's extremely frustrating. I bought my very first new car ever and I feel like it's broken and even though it's under warranty they won't fix it. It's completely unacceptable in my mind. They need to do a recall and fix the problem at no cost to the owners ASAP. It's not our fault that their legal department screwed up. They need to make it right.

You should get in contact with SOA about this to see if your dealer really is telling the truth about it. Granted I haven't read up on anything about mirrorlink in our cars since I use an iPhone, but this is the first I've heard of it purposely disabled because of legal issues. I know people have had problems using it, but I thought its because there are so many Android software and phone hardware configurations that not all would work 100%.

[SirBrass]

I haven't heard of any legal issues regarding mirrorlink, except that mirrorlink has been unsupported on phones for quite a while in favor of other methods such as Car Play and Android Auto. Very few factory HUs supported it in its heyday, and these days none do in favor of CP/AA.

My last phone that supported mirrorlink was my Galaxy S3. Also, aftermarket HUs which supported Mirrorlink started going by the wayside back in 2015 or so.

It was extremely clunky and only worked on certain phones and generally required a specific interface as well, not just a USB cable.

[brettjson]

Originally Posted by Jewbaru

I have a 2018 STI Limited, can confirm they're wrong*.

*I have a Kenwood HU with the RR. Only "additional" work I had to do was tap the OBDII CAN High and Low wires, rest was simple and straightforward.

P.S. The 2018 isn't officially supported by the RR, but it works fine, minus the TPMS, with the 2017 FW. This might be why Crutchfield started saying it's not supported, but I got all my stuff from them, so...

[EDIT] Pictures in the 2018 thread. https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho...8&postcount=57

New to the forum as I have had my 2016 WRX Limited (HK+Nav) for just a week now. I am looking for a carplay aftermarket HU. Are you saying that you did not have to bypass the factory amp by running speaker wire? Everywhere I read you do have to do that. Does the Kenwood "talk" to the factory HK amp? Thank you for the info.

[Dodgerfan16]

Originally Posted by Abaddon33

So I just joined the Subbie family a few weeks ago. 2018 Sti. I made an appointment for this past Saturday because it's really my only complaint with the car, and I was hoping they would be able to flash a new firmware and fix the problem. The Service Department told me that the 2018's weren't able to use mirrorlink because of some big legal battle and that all the North American cars had to have it disabled. The tech said that the 2019's will have it enabled, but the 2018's compatible with the new HU's. =\ Major bummer. I was really thinking about ringing up SOA to see if there is anything that can be done to fix it without putting in an aftermarket HU. I'm pretty pissed about it tbh. It's ridiculous that I bought a 2018 car that I can't use navigation on and can't charge my phone properly. They need to fix this at no cost to customers.

Just spoke to Marc at SOA and not good news. So he said the engineers and higher ups at HQ have not made any plans to update the Fujitsu units with CarPlay/Android auto (hence the change to Clarion/Harmon). As a result, he said if owners switch out their units to the 19 MY it would be consider a "modification" outside of the warranty even though its a Subaru OEM part. It was ambiguous to say the least but I asked what if I switched out the unit? He replied saying it would be the same exact part number that would be installed, per warranty, and they would not approve switching it out to the 19 MY version. So sadly, SOA is saying tough luck owners. However, since most people aren't going to accept this answer, what I was going to ask all of you is this, contact SOA. Tell them you want CarPlay/Android Auto. SOA knows people want it, thats why they're offering it. Mazda, Ford, Toyota are offering updates to include the software for prior model years. He claimed the feedback even goes back to Japan which I even went out of my way to go the Japanese website, translate it in English, and then send an email to them (never had a reply haha I think Google translate was horrible) hoping something would change. If SOA hears from WRX owners ESPECIALLY 18 MY they cant just say sorry you bought last years model tough luck. I told Marc about these forums, clubwrx.net, reddit, etc. They read what people say here. Lets hope for a change, if enough people spread the word and it makes the news via twitter, facebook, snapchat, the bad publicity and negative marketing will wake up those clowns at HQ. Let's make it happen gentlemen! (and ladies too)

[get_schwifty]

Originally Posted by Dodgerfan16

Just spoke to Marc at SOA and not good news. So he said the engineers and higher ups at HQ have not made any plans to update the Fujitsu units with CarPlay/Android auto (hence the change to Clarion/Harmon). As a result, he said if owners switch out their units to the 19 MY it would be consider a "modification" outside of the warranty even though its a Subaru OEM part. It was ambiguous to say the least but I asked what if I switched out the unit? He replied saying it would be the same exact part number that would be installed, per warranty, and they would not approve switching it out to the 19 MY version. So sadly, SOA is saying tough luck owners. However, since most people aren't going to accept this answer, what I was going to ask all of you is this, contact SOA. Tell them you want CarPlay/Android Auto. SOA knows people want it, thats why they're offering it. Mazda, Ford, Toyota are offering updates to include the software for prior model years. He claimed the feedback even goes back to Japan which I even went out of my way to go the Japanese website, translate it in English, and then send an email to them (never had a reply haha I think Google translate was horrible) hoping something would change. If SOA hears from WRX owners ESPECIALLY 18 MY they cant just say sorry you bought last years model tough luck. I told Marc about these forums, clubwrx.net, reddit, etc. They read what people say here. Lets hope for a change, if enough people spread the word and it makes the news via twitter, facebook, snapchat, the bad publicity and negative marketing will wake up those clowns at HQ. Let's make it happen gentlemen! (and ladies too)

I have sent my letter. If anyone is in a hurry and just wants to adapt it, they are most welcome to.

(edit-I know we are not supposed to make standalone petition threads, so hopefully this post does not violate this rule. But in this case, if the factory infotainment system can be (which is probably a big IF) updated by either a firmware update and/or a small hardware update, and Subaru hears from enough people regarding the issue, they may, just may, crunch some numbers to determine development/implementation costs in a standalone fashion if they offered this for free, and/or development/implementation costs relative to estimated income if they were to provide this update for a nominal fee...?)

https://www.subaru.com/customer-support.html






Dear SoA,

I am the owner of a 2018 WRX STI and I love it! It injects a bit of excitement into my daily office routine! However, I am writing to you regarding the one thing that I would like to see change in the future: an update that enables Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality on this vehicle's infotainment system.

As you are aware, smartphones play an integral role in our lives, and provide real-time data to an extent that factory systems cannot. Controlled studies have suggested that CarPlay/Auto provide both greater functionality and a reduced cognitive workload compared to factory infotainment systems. This presents a potential safety benefit that I would like to take advantage of.

Several Automakers have released updates to enable CarPlay/Auto on infotainment systems that did not have this functionality when initially sold. If the 2018 WRX can support this sort of an update, I kindly request you consider offering owners this option. I understand that developing such an update is not free - and I would be more than glad to pay a fee for this update service.

Since joining the Subaru family, a theme I've observed is that Subaru cares not only about new buyers, but also providing existing owners with outstanding long-term service/support. That is why I write this letter, as I believe SoA will give fair consideration to this matter.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks for taking the time to read my letter.

Warm regards,
NAME

[SirBrass]

Originally Posted by brettjson

New to the forum as I have had my 2016 WRX Limited (HK+Nav) for just a week now. I am looking for a carplay aftermarket HU. Are you saying that you did not have to bypass the factory amp by running speaker wire? Everywhere I read you do have to do that. Does the Kenwood "talk" to the factory HK amp? Thank you for the info.

The Maestro RR does the communicating for you. The appropriate harness from idatalink for 2016 & 2017 systems running the HK audio will interface with the pre-outs of your aftermarket HU, and the Maestro unit will make the appropriate signal routing to the vehicle's harness which routes to the factory amp. Thus, to the amp, everything looks as normal. Maestro RR handles the signal routing.

It's the 2018+ models that don't yet have all of it together yet, since iDL has only just come up with the MRR2 that has the additional CANBUS's needed.

[shake-rattle-n-roll]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

I haven't heard of any legal issues regarding mirrorlink, except that mirrorlink has been unsupported on phones for quite a while in favor of other methods such as Car Play and Android Auto. Very few factory HUs supported it in its heyday, and these days none do in favor of CP/AA.

My last phone that supported mirrorlink was my Galaxy S3. Also, aftermarket HUs which supported Mirrorlink started going by the wayside back in 2015 or so.

It was extremely clunky and only worked on certain phones and generally required a specific interface as well, not just a USB cable.

Mirrorlink was great with the older phones you could access all the apps on your cell with no restrictions youtube, waze back then, etc... When they updated mirrorlink on supported phones with android 7+ you could only use approved mirrorlink apps which is why its gone by the wayside. Still might be worth picking up a samsung s4 if really that important to people

[brettjson]

Originally Posted by SirBrass

The Maestro RR does the communicating for you. The appropriate harness from idatalink for 2016 & 2017 systems running the HK audio will interface with the pre-outs of your aftermarket HU, and the Maestro unit will make the appropriate signal routing to the vehicle's harness which routes to the factory amp. Thus, to the amp, everything looks as normal. Maestro RR handles the signal routing.

It's the 2018+ models that don't yet have all of it together yet, since iDL has only just come up with the MRR2 that has the additional CANBUS's needed.

Thank you. That is very useful info. Does anyone know if a 2018 HK+Nav headunit would replace a 2016 HK+Nav? My understanding is they are very similar except for the telelink module and two front speaker wires associated with this module. I am trying to figure if the impending retrofit of the 2019 carplay OEM headunit will apply to 2016-2018, or just the 2018. I figure if a 2018 HU fits into a 2016 HU, then there is a chance the 2019 will as well. Should I keep an eye out for how the OEM 2019 retrofit turns out before buying aftermarket?

[littledrummerboy]

Originally Posted by brettjson

Thank you. That is very useful info. Does anyone know if a 2018 HK+Nav headunit would replace a 2016 HK+Nav? My understanding is they are very similar except for the telelink module and two front speaker wires associated with this module. I am trying to figure if the impending retrofit of the 2019 carplay OEM headunit will apply to 2016-2018, or just the 2018. I figure if a 2018 HU fits into a 2016 HU, then there is a chance the 2019 will as well. Should I keep an eye out for how the OEM 2019 retrofit turns out before buying aftermarket?

Only if you're not in a hurry and willing to pay the OEM price.

No one has seen how the 2019 is hooked up yet so we won't know for sure until we at least get to see how the harness and connectors are set up on a 2019 HU. I'm like you... hoping the Nav+HK is a direct swap.

[brettjson]

Originally Posted by littledrummerboy

Only if you're not in a hurry and willing to pay the OEM price.

No one has seen how the 2019 is hooked up yet so we won't know for sure until we at least get to see how the harness and connectors are set up on a 2019 HU. I'm like you... hoping the Nav+HK is a direct swap.

Yeah, hopefully we will get some pictures of the back of the HU so we can start piecing it together. I may ultimately decide OEM carplay is not worth $2k, but I certainly would consider it if it does work.