Is my DS3 upgradable to enable CarPlay?

[AgainstGreaterOdds]

Hi,

I’ve been doing some digging to see if my car can have the centre console software upgraded to enable CarPlay.

It is a DS3 1.2 Chic from mid 2016 (I believe it was manufactured in the summer and registered in December).

This is the current software running on it:

System version: SMEG6.1.D.R19
CD: 30489
Dated: 23-11-15
Display software version: 40.20

Apologies for this question, I couldn’t find a proper answer anywhere and DS directly did not reply.

Many thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Some of these early models came out whilst CarPlay was in development and not all models had the licence to retro-activate it, so the dealer wouldn't do it. Some units had the Mirrorlink function.

So the only way you will get it enabled (if possible on your unit) is to try and find a dealer to get it activated.

[AgainstGreaterOdds]

Thank you GiveMeABreak.

It does not seem to have mirrorlink activated either, but both CarPlay and mirrorlink are referenced in the car instructions handbook..

I was also under the impression that Apple was quite liberal and did not require licenses for CarPlay.

I will attempt to speak with dealers in the area to see if it can be done. Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Some of these early models had one or the other but not both - it really depends on the version.

It's not technically a licence as such, but there are costs involved in integrating the technology into the head units - which has to meet Apple Certification requirements - it's like buying a MFI certified charging cable. The MFI certification costs manufacturers a fee and the hardware inside the cables is certified by Apple, which is usually passed on to customers. Of course there will always be the cheap Chinese knock -offs passing off MFI certified cables that are not...

The best thing you can do is have your VIN handy and call a few dealerships to see what each tell you. Some of this will depend on the telematics expertise of the technicians.

[Cdouglas]

Did you find someone to get it activated?

Mine is a 2016 DS3 and on the screen it doesn’t have the option for Mirror link or Apple car play but it mention in my handbook. Some people are say that you can the the screen firmware updated and get it activated? Is this possible?

Ive called a few dealers and i keep getting their receptionist saying they don’t know and id have to book my car In and speak to whoever does my car about it.

[GiveMeABreak]

This is correct - you will need to see the dealer to see if your model can be activated for the functions you want - some of these features may rely on both the correct firmware versions as well as the dealer being able to activate it using their diagnostic equipment.

[MacSlavko]

When I bought my DS5 (from June 2015) it had factory fitted SMEG+IV2 on 6.1.20 firmware. No CarPlay at the time.
I upgraded it to the latest 6.4.10 firmware and CarPlay icon apeared on the screen (instead of Internet browser) but had to see the dealer for activating the function (10 minutes job).
Was a great improvement and gave another level of functionality to the car!

[Collenan]

How do you upgrade the firmware? I have the same problem on a 2016 DS3