SYNC-26.2.8.3 SW Update 12 - Center Touchscreen [EAP]

[TaxmanHog]

Sponsored

 

[TaxmanHog]

The Blue Oval announced that it would be discontinuing the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning last December, though the pickup will return at some point with an extended range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain, which utilizes a gas generator to feed a large battery pack when needed, enabling vehicles to travel further distances than pure EVs. However, Ford isn't giving up on F-150 Lightning owners, and plans to continue rolling out software updates for the EV pickup, and will also maintain parts and service for 10 years.

Now, the Ford F-150 Lightning is getting some major charging upgrades, according to owner and overall EV enthusiast, Jace Craft-Miller. In this recent post on X, Craft-Miller posted some photos of the latest software update Lightning owners are receiving, which were originally shared by Branden Flasch. Those updates include things like automatic preconditioning when using Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay, along with a toggle for owners who have an adapter for Connective Navigation that automatically adds charging stops requiring that part.

Additionally, models with the 12-inch infotainment screen are getting Video Streaming and Stingray Karaoke, which can be used when the vehicle is parked. Privacy settings have been updated for better transparency, while other improvements include more reliable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a return of the Auto Hold toggle to the controls menu, and the phone list icon has moved to the top menu bar for easier access.

These changes come after new routing options debuted for Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E owners using Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay last year. For those that plan a trip and need to charge, they can automatically be routed to a fast charging station that utilizes the North American Charging Standard (NACS) - such as Tesla's Supercharger stations. Owners don't even have to install a software update to gain this new feature, as it's available with CarPlay and iPhones running iOS 17 or later. Back in March, the 2026 Mach-E gained Apple Maps preconditioning, too.

https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-f-150-lightning-pickups-getting-major-charging-upgrades

 

[RickLightning]

The Blue Oval announced that it would be discontinuing the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning last December, though the pickup will return at some point with an extended range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain, which utilizes a gas generator to feed a large battery pack when needed, enabling vehicles to travel further distances than pure EVs. However, Ford isn't giving up on F-150 Lightning owners, and plans to continue rolling out software updates for the EV pickup, and will also maintain parts and service for 10 years.

Now, the Ford F-150 Lightning is getting some major charging upgrades, according to owner and overall EV enthusiast, Jace Craft-Miller. In this recent post on X, Craft-Miller posted some photos of the latest software update Lightning owners are receiving, which were originally shared by Branden Flasch. Those updates include things like automatic preconditioning when using Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay, along with a toggle for owners who have an adapter for Connective Navigation that automatically adds charging stops requiring that part.

Additionally, models with the 12-inch infotainment screen are getting Video Streaming and Stingray Karaoke, which can be used when the vehicle is parked. Privacy settings have been updated for better transparency, while other improvements include more reliable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a return of the Auto Hold toggle to the controls menu, and the phone list icon has moved to the top menu bar for easier access.

These changes come after new routing options debuted for Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E owners using Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay last year. For those that plan a trip and need to charge, they can automatically be routed to a fast charging station that utilizes the North American Charging Standard (NACS) - such as Tesla's Supercharger stations. Owners don't even have to install a software update to gain this new feature, as it's available with CarPlay and iPhones running iOS 17 or later. Back in March, the 2026 Mach-E gained Apple Maps preconditioning, too.

https://fordauthority.com/2026/07/ford-f-150-lightning-pickups-getting-major-charging-upgrades

Let me summarize.

The Lightning is getting the update that Mach-E owners just got.

There, all set. Has nothing to do with not giving up on the Lightning.

And, 2022 Lightnings still can't precondition to a fast charger...

 

[25StarWhiteLightning]

Preconditioning via Apple Maps is pretty great. Haven't followed the Mach E updates...is it actually working?

 

[TaxmanHog]

Not everyone is watching the Mach-E media space.

 

[GDN]

And, 2022 Lightnings still can't precondition to a fast charger...

I didn't see where the '22's are excluded? Is that a hardware thing? It does note from Apple Maps.

There is a bigger problem here though with Apple. I went into my Apple map settings for the truck profile, removed all charging options except Tesla. Went to maps, told it to create a route to Seattle. 18 stops, not one of them was Tesla. My profile doesn't show NACS, but it's not even an option to choose. Still some lacking pieces here.

 

[RickLightning]

I didn't see where the '22's are excluded? Is that a hardware thing? It does note from Apple Maps.

There is a bigger problem here though with Apple. I went into my Apple map settings for the truck profile, removed all charging options except Tesla. Went to maps, told it to create a route to Seattle. 18 stops, not one of them was Tesla. My profile doesn't show NACS, but it's not even an option to choose. Still some lacking pieces here.

It was a tongue in cheek comment.

Some of us with 2022s have never had preconditioning to a fast charger. EVER. And there is no reason to think that these updates will fix that issue.

 

[RickLightning]

Not everyone is watching the Mach-E media space.

It's interesting that he goes on Twitter to yap about a feature that hasn't yet rolled out, which means he's in EA, which means he's talking about Fight Club when you're not supposed to.

 

[GDN]

It was a tongue in cheek comment.

Some of us with 2022s have never had preconditioning to a fast charger. EVER. And there is no reason to think that these updates will fix that issue.

Thanks, gotcha and understand. I'm driving a '22 and Ford is still so far behind on the charging updates (even with this update) it's really not funny, hence your tongue in cheek.

I can safely say I rely on almost none of the "technology" in this truck and 95% of my charging is at home.

 

[GDN]

It's interesting that he goes on Twitter to yap about a feature that hasn't yet rolled out, which means he's in EA, which means he's talking about Fight Club when you're not supposed to.

Jace is an ego and post all of his opportunities to be around the Ford peeps and never regarded the NDA. And yes, I believed this to be beta too (NDA), but seems to have blown up all over the sites today.

 

[RickLightning]

Thanks, gotcha and understand. I'm driving a '22 and Ford is still so far behind on the charging updates (even with this update) it's really not funny, hence your tongue in cheek.

I can safely say I rely on almost none of the "technology" in this truck and 95% of my charging is at home.

I got the updates on my Mach-E. I'm not one who pays attention to startup graphics or things like that. To me, the one noticeable thing is the phone icon on the top so you don't have to go into screens.

We also had an issue where no matter that I was driving, it connected to my wife's Android Auto (in her purse, not charging). Pain to switch, sometimes didn't take. It APPEARS that this update makes that smoother, based on the 1 or 2 times we've been in the car together since it completed on 6/30.

My Lightning had been showing downloading an update for nearly 2 weeks now.

 

[RickLightning]

Jace is an ego and post all of his opportunities to be around the Ford peeps and never regarded the NDA. And yes, I believed this to be beta too (NDA), but seems to have blown up all over the sites today.

Yes to all of that. Makes Tesla fanboys seem tame.

 

[TaxmanHog]

If this thread disappears ..... you'll understand why.

 

[Ffxdude]

If this thread disappears ..... you'll understand why.

 

[ka-chow]

This is absolutely exciting news!!!!! I can’t wait to get this update in next 24 to 48 months!!! I kid!! So thrilled to see this and feel like my gut was right about us continuing to see meaningful updates!!

Sponsored