ravens_wood
New member
please baby jesus, be true.
I JUST missed Apple Carplay...
- Thread starter eatsleepsendrepeat
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please baby jesus, be true.
Bugser
New member
I am a serious Ham Radio operator and an avid Mac user and what I have found is there is a similarity in hardware.
Way back in 2010, I swapped out all Windows computers at work and installed Mac desktops and servers. It was the best thing I ever did. Why? Simply because they are easily upgradable, easy to operate but most importantly easy to update the firmware. Same is true with today commercially manufactured Ham Radio HF transceivers. Most HF manufacturers have moved toward Software Defined Radios (SDR's) for a multiple of reasons, one being ease of upgrade of firmware.
Therefore, it would not be far fetched to assume that the firmware in the stock Panasonic HU's in our 4R's is upgradable. What leads me to believe this is the Chinese aftermarket add on box that will allow screen mirroring of the iPhone, albeit with a tethered cord. If that is possible, then quite frankly, I believe it's possible to upgrade the firmware on the HU for either Apple Car Play or Android use.
Whether or not Toyota software engineers will work on the updates and pay the licensing fee is another question. What we all need is some young person with nothing to do to fiddle with a hack to make it possible. Remember there are 2 ports to make that happen, one where the SD card is for the NAV and the other is the USB port where you can upload pictures for the on/off screen.
OK guys, flames, comments?
UPDATE: Check out Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0279-17
My Runner was made in July of 2018 and is a 2018 model. Based on the model number listed on the bottom face of the radio, the radio is a 2019 model HU. The software number listed in settings is the same as the number in the TSB for 2019. Make some correlations and it "appears" that all units installed from 2016-2019 are similar except for firmware and software, which leads me to the conclusion that all units from 2016 through 2109 have the potential to be upgradeable. Whether or not Toyota will do that is a different story. I might suggest we start pushing the envelop guys and pressing some reps
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SurgicalApple
New member
Being a serious HAM operator, what do you have for comms in your T4R?
JAXJeremy
New member
Great insight..This is pretty much what I was getting at..Toyota would have produced these head units by the 10's of thousands. With ones produced in 2018 going into 2019 models, so it would stand to reason the only potential difference would be software related.
I would imagine this is similar to Ford and what they did with 2016+ vehicles. Since Apple Carplay is run through USB, it required a new USB port specific for carplay as well as a software update. If the 19 headunits are the same, it's possible the USB port is different and could be retrofitted.
It would be nice if the older 4runners get the upgrade but I'm not holding my breath. If you read the press release, the new TRD pro model that is getting car play will now come with an 8 inch screen which would put it in line with the systems used in the Camrys. To me it sounds like they're upgrading the whole head unit in order to offer car play. My understanding on our current head units is they are still older technology than what Toyota offers in other models like the Camry that they were able to go back and upgrade. It's hard to say if our current head units even have the computer processing power for the new features.
CavPro
Member
Sure for the 2020's, but we are talking about the 2019's that are getting the retro fit upgrade. I find the USB detail listed above interesting.
CavPro
Member
As posted here prior, Toyota Offering Retrofit CarPlay Upgrades for 2018 Camry and Sienna | Page 5 | MacRumors Forums post 124 here has a link.
I understand. Just trying to say the 2018 Camrys have the Entune 3.0 system which I don't think the 2019 4Runner has. Based on the screen size in the 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner, I'm assuming they're changing it out to the Entune 3.0 system since it's a different size than the 2019's. Just thinking aloud that the Entune 3.0 system might be the deciding factor in what can and cannot have CarPlay because there may be hardware differences in them such as computer processors.
This shows the 2018 Camry and Sienna had the 3.0 system: Toyota Entune - Wikipedia
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Bugser
New member
[MENTION=150567]Old Red[/MENTION] the way that I read the TSB, the hardware in the Head Units are the same from 2016 through 2019. Take that TSB with you. If you need it I can send it to you.
It does appear that depending on when the HU was placed into service, it is marked with different lot numbers, probably dependent on when it was made to indicate initial software/firmware versions. As technology advances or problems occur then updates can be made, but initial software can be tracked from a quick visual below the screen. Under software updates, the unit also tracks updates but it is not accurate because I have had 2 auto updates and neither are recorded in software updates.
Interesting to see what you come up with.
Bugser
New member
[MENTION=154018]mscot[/MENTION]t try this link
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10152184-9999.pdf
Bugser
New member
[MENTION=217430]SurgicalApple[/MENTION] nothing serious in the 4R now.....have an Icom 2730 2mtr/440 MHz.....
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daytonaviolet
New member
Will have to try and see if we can update to iOS13 and try this on our BMW tonight.
HunterDonahue
New member
Just installed a new carplay radio in my new Tundra(yes I know, wrong forum to be on but I also have a 4runner). Downloading ios 13 on my ipad to test waters. If it isnt too buggy, I will install on my phone. It seems the BMW and Audi vehicles are better for carplay because of their wide screen. Will post with my opinions on new carplay.
K9trainer
New member
Its not out yet
HunterDonahue
New member
It’s out in beta.
daytonaviolet
New member
i would like to try ios13 beta as well. can you host a copy of it for us 
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