Can I put Apple CarPlay in my 2016 XLT?

Hey, does anyone know if it’s possible to install an Apple CarPlay system in my 2016 XLT? I’d like to replace the original radio with it. I already own a CarPlay device but would prefer to have it installed in the dash. Here’s a pic similar to what my dash looks like.
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You can definitely install a double din radio with an adapter, or even a Tesla-style tablet. It’ll cost about a grand to upgrade to Sync 3, though.

Clare said:
You can definitely install a double din radio with an adapter, or even a Tesla-style tablet. It’ll cost about a grand to upgrade to Sync 3, though.

Don’t go for the Tesla-style tablet, I’ve seen a bunch of people posting that it worked for a bit then died. Better stick with a double din setup.

@Cody
Exactly, you really need to be careful with those. Even if you vet it, not sure it’s worth the money. Double din is the safer bet for sure.

Clare said:
You can definitely install a double din radio with an adapter, or even a Tesla-style tablet. It’ll cost about a grand to upgrade to Sync 3, though.

Thanks for the tip!

Orion said:

Clare said:
You can definitely install a double din radio with an adapter, or even a Tesla-style tablet. It’ll cost about a grand to upgrade to Sync 3, though.

Thanks for the tip!

No problem, let us know what you end up doing!

Orion said:

Clare said:
You can definitely install a double din radio with an adapter, or even a Tesla-style tablet. It’ll cost about a grand to upgrade to Sync 3, though.

Thanks for the tip!

I’ll second the double din suggestion. You can get a solid unit for about $100 that supports CarPlay.

You just need a wiring harness (so you don’t have to cut the original radio plug) and a dash kit for your specific model and year. Totally doable.

Gale said:
You just need a wiring harness (so you don’t have to cut the original radio plug) and a dash kit for your specific model and year. Totally doable.

Appreciate the info, thanks!

Check out all things sync for more details.

Crutchfield is a good resource too. They’ll show you what fits your car and offer discounted adapters if you buy the radio through them.

Have you checked 4dtech.com? They offer upgrades that look stock for your dash.

Vance said:
Have you checked 4dtech.com? They offer upgrades that look stock for your dash.

Are their products any good?

Dariel said:

Vance said:
Have you checked 4dtech.com? They offer upgrades that look stock for your dash.

Are their products any good?

I’ve never bought from them, but they’ve been around for a while and seem to have a solid reputation. Their customer service is supposed to be great too. They were doing Sync upgrades even before CarPlay was a thing.

Crutchfield is the way to go. They’ll guide you through everything you need.

Following this thread, I’m interested too.

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Crutchfield.com is a great resource.

I upgraded my 2015 Ford Explorer from Sync 2 to Sync 3, and now it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I watched a few videos and did it myself, even though I’ve never done anything like that before. It’s pretty straightforward.

Good luck with your install! I did something similar on my 2017 Explorer and it was a real pain. I had to buy a new bezel for the screen, which messed with the AC controls, so I had to get an adapter. Two years later, everything works fine except the front AC controls, which we never fixed. We’re now thinking of shelling out $1600 for Sync 3 so it can all be programmed right.