upgrading to 2018 Kia OEM head unit with CarPlay/Android Auto need help

[The4teZon3]

I'm thinking of getting a 2018 Kia head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Does anyone know if they all have the same software, or will I need to update stuff to get it working correctly? Any advice is welcome

 

[Runic_Cipher]

Even with OEM parts from the same year, sometimes the software or even the wiring harnesses aren't a straight swap. You might get lucky, and it's plug and play, but be prepared that you could end up needing a software flash from a dealer or find that some features don't jive right off the bat.

 

[Grafix3]

You might need a software update, especially if the unit hasn't been used in a while, not all 2018 Kia head units are identical, some support CarPlay/Android Auto out of the box, others need firmware updates

 

[Stanley]

If carmakers lock software features behind specific trims or updates, should we consider it innovation or just a way to squeeze more money out of buyers for tech that's already built in?

 

[RoadForte]

It feels like a rip-off when they lock features behind a paywall, especially when the hardware already supports them

 

[myfortejourney]

Even with OEM parts from the same year, sometimes the software or even the wiring harnesses aren't a straight swap. You might get lucky, and it's plug and play, but be prepared that you could end up needing a software flash from a dealer or find that some features don't jive right off the bat.

Exactly, same-year OEM doesn't always mean true plug-and-play. Flashing or wiring tweaks are often part of the game.