A New Subaru Software Update Will Help Apple Users But Android Auto Is Left Out For Now
If you are frustrated with Subaru’s Starlink there is good news. Starlink gets a needed software update that will affect the 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy models. One of the main complaints with the new wagon after it received a remodel was the car’s smartphone pairing using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The newly released update should help Apple users run CarPlay in portrait mode.
According to a post on Reddit, an employee of Subaru says the automaker released the software update on June 24. Although the bulletin does not say it will work with Android Auto, the post says the update will be coming soon. Unfortunately, this update will only affect 2020 cars and not older models.
Dominick Infante, Subaru of America Director, Corporate Communications, told Cars.com the update is currently available only via USB through Subaru retailers, but the automaker is aiming for an over-the-air update by the end of July.
The report says Apple users will also benefit from improved Siri response time, turn by turn directions, improvements to the backup camera, shortened satellite radio startup times, improved equalizer settings, and changes to the auto stop-start setting in the shortcut menu.
The automaker says Android users should see improved responsiveness with this new software update. But it’s unlikely Android Auto will run in portrait mode yet.
Subaru has had multiple issues with Starlink and just settled a $6.25 million lawsuit affecting 2018 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Crosstrek, 2018 Legacy, 2017-2018 Impreza, and 2018 BRZ. A New Jersey Judge signed the order earlier this month that will benefit 785,000 Subaru owners and lessees.
The good news is that the portrait mode is coming to 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy models, first on Apple CarPlay and possibly Android Auto will be updated soon. The bad news is, the update does not affect older Subaru models. Look for a future Torque News report on upcoming Android Auto software updates.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press and the founder of Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru