Apple CarPlay and Android Auto NOT coming to Ultimate Genesis (2015, 2016)

[Wianek]

There has been quite a bit of speculation if Apple Carplay and Android Auto will be available on the '15 and '16 Genesis.

It pains me to say that if you have the Ultimate version of the 2015 or 2016 Genesis, you will NOT be receiving the Android Auto or Apple Carplay updates that are accessible to Sonata owners and that will at some point be available to Base, Tech, and Signature Genesis owners.

Hyundai is claiming AA and Carplay are not compatible with the Premium Driver Information System (DIS) on the Ultimate Genesis. I am highly skeptical that there is an actual insurmountable technology barrier. Instead, I believe Hyundai has made the choice to not spend additional $$$ on R&D since there aren't many Ultimate Genesis on the road. Again, this is just my speculation, but while Hyundai may save some $$$ today, they will surely enrage many Ultimate owners, which strikes me as an odd strategy considering Hyundai is attempting to launch Genesis as a stand-alone premium brand. Positive word of mouth and brand loyalty go a long way in the infant stages of any brand.

If you are disappointed in this development, please make your voice heard and contact Hyundai corporate. While Hyundai has been responsive and courteous in my dialog with them, I haven't been able to accomplish much on my own. Perhaps Hyundai will change their stance if they receive enough customer feedback.

A few contacts to try are:

Miles Johnson
Manager - Connected Care
milesjohnson@hmausa.com

Michael Deitz
Senior Group Manager - Connected Care
MichaelDeitz@hmausa.com

Ricky Lao
Senior Group Manger - Product Planning
rlao@hmausa.com

Donna Bilardo
Customer Relations
dbilardo@hmausa.com

P.S.

If you wish to view Hyundai's current stance on Carplay and Android Auto in the '15 and '16 Genesis, please visit the link below and click on FAQ in the upper right corner:

https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/PhoneIntegration/

 

[quanva]

i've already given up hope on AA, this is my first and last genesis product, not for the AA issue alone but when I add the various quality issues i've had to deal with, car being damaged by the dealer, dealers not wanting to look into the sunroof issue

just issues i've never experienced with VW with i owned my touareg..the dealer experience alone has me wanting for another VAG product

Hyundai has a long way to go..i'll return in 5 yrs after the dealers have matured on the genesis brand

 

[jimbo1mcm]

Per OP suggestion:

To Mr. Michael Dietz
Senior Group Manager-Connected Care
Dear Mr. Deitz,

In almost every area, I have been supremely pleased with my 2016 Genesis with the Ultimate package. I am now very interested in utilizing Android Auto. In the FAQ of the Sonata Android Auto it is stated that the 2015 and 2016 Genesis with Ultimate(DIS) will not be getting this valuable addition, while lower models, with Signature and Tech will probably get it in an update.

When you step back and look at it realistically, this is an absurd policy. Hyundai is trying to establish Genesis as a premium brand, and should be a leader in technology. Surely there is a way to integrate this into the DIS, perhaps even to designing an interface module that can go between the USB ports.

Please let me know if there is some hope for the future on this excellent vehicle.


Sincerely,

 

[NTX]

Aaaand I'm officially done with the Genesis brand.

I highly doubt it's incompatible, especially considering the DIS system has a more powerful Intel processor with a huge capacitive HD screen that's perfect for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compared to the non-DIS models. I had high hopes for all the technology found in the Genesis when it first came out, but no valuable apps have been added like initially rumored.

 

[NTX]

Hyundai just negated the "premium" in "Premium DIS Navigation" and sh*t on the "ultimate" in "Ultimate Package."

 

[PMCErnie]

Two posts make Wianek a credible poster?

 

[ksoze]

Aaaand I'm officially done with the Genesis brand.

I hope it is more than just due to an add-on feature, never officially listed as available, now not going to be available. If so, you will be miserable forever with most auto brands. I learned a long time ago if it isn't on the car when you bought it, it may never be. Tech changes at light speed and no one can keep up - the owners who do get CP or AA will soon feel left behind when the next big thing is announced on the next model.

 

[GenesisAWD]

It's funny to me how several people in the multiple threads about this subject have said..(more or less).."SCREW 'EM. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI!" Even though this is a feature that was never on the vehicle they bought in the first place and they likely never even knew about the possibility of it until after the fact. Although they'd never admit that.

Sucks for the Ultimate owners from the standpoint of them purchasing the top of the line model yet not getting something the lower models (supposedly) get. But that's just it....it sucks, nothing more. You've got to be either lying or crazy for it to be the sole reason for swearing off a brand forever because of it. You'll also likely be disappointed in some minor detail of your next car/brand too.

Anyway, as a Tech package owner...I'm mildly excited about potentially getting Android Auto although I'll still have to see it to believe it.

 

[srobak]

Aaaand I'm officially done with the Genesis brand.

That's a pretty stupid reason to nix an entire brand - considering it was never even offered or promised to you at the time of purchase in the first place. You need to see GenesisAWD's comment and my response a little further down in this post.

Two posts make Wianek a credible poster?

No - but that being said, it was brought up and discussed at length by a credible poster and many of us a month ago:

http://genesisowners.com/hyundai-ge...hp?p=212836&highlight=android+auto#post212836

Posted by Spinedoc777 on 4/17

Here's what Hyundai says: https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/P...mplateFAQ/1938

Currently Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support are not available for the Hyundai Genesis. Hyundai is working on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Genesis models equipped with the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) 4.5 system. Unfortunately we do not have an availability date at this time. Updates for existing customer vehicles require a specific version of the on-board navigation map and we are working to deliver a solution, which will provide the map update, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto support at no additional cost. Due to hardware differences, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will not be offered for 2015 or 2016 Genesis with the Premium Driver Information System (DIS) Navigation system (system included in the Ultimate Package).

The Premium Driver Information System (DIS) Navigation System (included in the Ultimate Package) is not currently compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. We will have news on updates to the premium system for future model years, but do not anticipate updates for existing owners.​

It's funny to me how several people in the multiple threads about this subject have said..(more or less).."SCREW 'EM. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI!" Even though this is a feature that was never on the vehicle they bought in the first place and they likely never even knew about the possibility of it until after the fact. Although they'd never admit that.

This. Also - see my quote from another earlier thread saying the same thing:

While I agree that it is disappointing - I also have to ask why everyone is getting so butthurt about this.

It was NOT a feature listed, available, promised or indicated when you bought the car. We all knew this going in and we bought it anyhow. New features are introduced for new models on later years all the time... has that ever stopped you from buying a car in the past? Have you ever expected another manufacturer to retroactively include it in older cars? Should I be expecting Honda to put BT and a rear cam in my wife's 2012 Civic just because it was standard equipment on the 2013?

Of course not.... so why is this a situation that results in bitterness at this point? If anything - it should entice people to get the newer model - especially if they otherwise love their existing cars already. Once you buy a car - that's what you get. You don't get it and "more" at a later date. This has never been a part of car ownership over the entire history of automobiles. I look forward to it on my 2019 G90.

 

[Wianek]

Two posts make Wianek a credible poster?

I'm new to the Genesis family (March '16), but have been reading this forum prior to my purchase. I've had trouble finding up-to-date information about AA and CarPlay, so decided to start this post.

Two posts certainly don't make me credible, but I'm just citing information from an official Hyundai website that is not easy to find with a simple Google search. If you have doubts, please look at the link I posted.

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[ksoze]

Two posts make Wianek a credible poster?

When he links to a Hyundaiusa site with the exact info, credibility has been earned.

 

[Wianek]

It's funny to me how several people in the multiple threads about this subject have said..(more or less).."SCREW 'EM. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI!" Even though this is a feature that was never on the vehicle they bought in the first place and they likely never even knew about the possibility of it until after the fact. Although they'd never admit that.

CarPlay and AA update / integration was actually used as a selling point when I purchased my Genesis in March '16. I understand that corporate Hyundai never officially made that promise, but if you read through other posts about CarPlay and AA, other forum members received emails from Hyundai corporate which expressed optimism about the technology becoming available through a software update. Again, not a firm commitment, but combined with dealer sales pitch led me to believe it would be available.

And in all likelihood, AA and Carplay will be coming to the Genesis, just not the Ultimate trim. I'm not butthurt, I'm just extremely disappointed in how Hyundai is handling this situation. They want to market the Genesis as a premium brand, yet they are leaving out some of their most premium customers, while upgrading the systems on Sonata's and the Base, Tech, and Signiture Genesis.

I can't say with 100% certainty, but I believe it's highly unlikely AA and Carplay are technologically not compatible with the Ultimate DIS system and I think it's shady of Hyundai to word it that way (though they try to soften the language by saying "not CURRENTLY compatible". I would rather them just come out and say that from a profitability standpoint they decided to not put forth the R&D effort into bringing AA and Carplay to the Ultimate DIS.

Look, overall I love my new Geni - I think it's a great value for the price. I can live without the CarPlay, but I feel like I was mislead at the dealer, and I believe (just my opinion) that Hyundai corporate is being dishonest claiming that the Ultimate DIS is not compatible with AA and CarPlay. It's the lack of trust that is so off-putting to me, not the fact that I may never get AA or CarPlay. Trust is a fundamental building block of creating a brand. But hey, perhaps I'm completely wrong on this issue and the finance team at Hyundai got it correct. Perhaps it's better to save a few $$$ (probably a few million $$$) today instead of catering to your high end customers. Only time will tell how that bet plays out.

 

[Jaeger]

It's funny to me how several people in the multiple threads about this subject have said..(more or less).."SCREW 'EM. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HYUNDAI!" Even though this is a feature that was never on the vehicle they bought in the first place and they likely never even knew about the possibility of it until after the fact. Although they'd never admit that.

Agree completely.

 

[srobak]

I feel like I was mislead at the dealer, and I believe (just my opinion) that Hyundai corporate is being dishonest claiming that the Ultimate DIS is not compatible with AA and CarPlay.

All dealers mislead. Even the premium brand dealers.... they just take you for more money when they do it.

Whether it is compatible or not - it is still a retro-active upgrade or add-on... which is something that almost no manufacturer does. If it wasn't already on the car the day that you bought it - don't count on it ever being there. The same goes for ANY item - tech, physical or otherwise - and for ANY brand, up to and including the Germans and Japanese premium brands & models. I would presume the efforts and expense are better left served in making sure it is offered with future incarnations of the car as well as the G90's DIS - not to mention the other models going forward.

btw - my "butthurt" comment wasn't directed at you per se.... it was a quote from a month-old thread in which several people pretty much came off their rails and swore off their "allegiance" to Hyundai/Genesis because of it - kinda like the way NTX did in this thread. You at least entered into it rationally, with information and engaged in discussion. Other folks - especially in those other threads... not so much.

 

[GenesisAWD]

CarPlay and AA update / integration was actually used as a selling point when I purchased my Genesis in March '16. I understand that corporate Hyundai never officially made that promise, but if you read through other posts about CarPlay and AA, other forum members received emails from Hyundai corporate which expressed optimism about the technology becoming available through a software update. Again, not a firm commitment, but combined with dealer sales pitch led me to believe it would be available.

And in all likelihood, AA and Carplay will be coming to the Genesis, just not the Ultimate trim. I'm not butthurt, I'm just extremely disappointed in how Hyundai is handling this situation. They want to market the Genesis as a premium brand, yet they are leaving out some of their most premium customers, while upgrading the systems on Sonata's and the Base, Tech, and Signiture Genesis.

I can't say with 100% certainty, but I believe it's highly unlikely AA and Carplay are technologically not compatible with the Ultimate DIS system and I think it's shady of Hyundai to word it that way (though they try to soften the language by saying "not CURRENTLY compatible". I would rather them just come out and say that from a profitability standpoint they decided to not put forth the R&D effort into bringing AA and Carplay to the Ultimate DIS.

Look, overall I love my new Geni - I think it's a great value for the price. I can live without the CarPlay, but I feel like I was mislead at the dealer, and I believe (just my opinion) that Hyundai corporate is being dishonest claiming that the Ultimate DIS is not compatible with AA and CarPlay. It's the lack of trust that is so off-putting to me, not the fact that I may never get AA or CarPlay. Trust is a fundamental building block of creating a brand. But hey, perhaps I'm completely wrong on this issue and the finance team at Hyundai got it correct. Perhaps it's better to save a few $$$ (probably a few million $$$) today instead of catering to your high end customers. Only time will tell how that bet plays out.

If you're expecting trust from a car salesman you're looking in the wrong place. That's just the way the world works. As far as Hyundai Corporate goes, I'll just choose to cut them a little slack and keep this one minor feature in correct perspective.

One way to look at the situation from the Hyundai standpoint is what you posted. The other way and what I feel probably happened was Hyundai went into the situation thinking they could get AA and CP in the Genesis at the beginning and simply let people know that. Once their programmers/IT guys started the actual process of implementation they discovered that something with how the Ultimate software works is going to make it incompatible. Remember these (AA & CP) are outside "vendors" whose software is trying to be essentially be retro-fitted to a current vehicle.

It's the way technology is today and it's really not a huge deal considering, like as has been said dozens of times...you (and I, etc.) bought the car without it in the first place.

 

[GenesisAWD]

srobak and I need to talk to each other before we each post the same things over and over lol

we could be saving each other time

 

[Wianek]

All dealers mislead. Even the premium brand dealers.... they just take you for more money when they do it.

Agreed, can't take a dealers word at face value. Although, I did do other background work, which suggested a high probability of the technology becoming available - if you look at other threads, forum members posted emails from Hyundai corporate.

Whether it is compatible or not - it is still a retro-active upgrade or add-on... which is something that almost no manufacturer does. If it wasn't already on the car the day that you bought it - don't count on it ever being there.

I have a feeling quite a few people bought '15 and '16 Sonata's based on the promise of a future AA and CarPlay upgrade. And Hyundai is following through on that promise. And while the Genesis upgrade was not officially promised, it was implied and certain models are most likely getting the tech.

In all fairness, CarPlay wasn't the deciding factor in my purchase - I would have probably bought the if it were never mentioned - but the, in my view, high probability of an upgrade made my purchase decision easier.

And again, my disappointment isn't so much tied to the technology, or lack thereof, but to how Hyundai is handling the situation. First and foremost, I do not believe they are being honest in claiming the Ultimate DIS in not compatible. And second of all, they are attempting to build a premium brand, but in my opinion would rather save some $$$ today instead of taking care of arguably their most premium customers, who spent the most $$$ on their Genesis.

btw - my "butthurt" comment wasn't directed at you per se.... it was a quote from a month-old thread in which several people pretty much came off their rails and swore off their "allegiance" to Hyundai/Genesis because of it - kinda like the way NTX did in this thread. You at least entered into it rationally, with information and engaged in discussion. Other folks - especially in those other threads... not so much.

No offense taken! Always happy to engage in a rational discussion!

In any case, I think there still is a glimmer of hope for Ultimate owners. But if we want any chance, Hyundai corporate needs to hear our collective voice. So if you are an Ultimate owner and are disappointed with this development, please personally reach out to Hyundai.

 

[Wianek]

One way to look at the situation from the Hyundai standpoint is what you posted. The other way and what I feel probably happened was Hyundai went into the situation thinking they could get AA and CP in the Genesis at the beginning and simply let people know that. Once their programmers/IT guys started the actual process of implementation they discovered that something with how the Ultimate software works is going to make it incompatible. Remember these (AA & CP) are outside "vendors" whose software is trying to be essentially be retro-fitted to a current vehicle.

This could well be true and if actually the case, I have no gripe with Hyundai corporate and will be the first to apologize to them.

However, in my opinion, the more likely scenario is that Hyundai put in $$$ and time ensuring compatibility with Sonata's. The Tech, and Signature Genesis happen to share a very similar system, hence the likely upgrade. Ensuring compatibility with the Ultimate DIS would require more $$$ and effort and the finance team at Hyundai decided it wasn't worth it.

Take note of how carefully they worded the incompatibility statement:

"The Premium Driver Information System (DIS) Navigation System (included in the Ultimate Package) is not CURRENTLY compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. We will have news on updates to the premium system for future model years, but do not ANTICIPATE updates for existing owners. "

So it's not currently compatible, but could become compatible in the future (my read: if they try to make it compatible)

They do not anticipate updates for existing owners, but they won't go as far closing the door completely (my read: if enough Ultimate owners raise hell, we may rethink our position. Alternatively, if future generation share a very similar system, perhaps it will be a cheap fix for current owners).

 

[jimb100]

Manufacturers research shows that issues like this have very little effect on brand loyalty.

Some people change brands just to change, others stick with a brand for a few purchases and then change, or not.

For someone to say "I'll never buy a Hyundai again" is ridiculous because should they come out with something they want, they buy again.

Not to say there aren't a few who would cut their nose to spite their face, but these outliers don't matter much to the auto makers.

To the subject at hand, it is a disappointment not to be getting Car Play. Personally, I can live without it but I can see that for many it would be a very worthwhile addition. I'm thinking of anyone who is in their car all day and would like having access to emails and texts, as the BMW commercial shows.

Ultimate owners should be ambassadors for the marque and when lower lines get an important feature the top of the line doesn't get, it throws into question the company's basic philosophies. Not something you want to do with a product trying to crack a difficult market.

 

[ksoze]

Agree it would have been nice to have, however for Apple iPhone users, Siri Eyes Free provides some of that functionality.