[FloridaMatt]

Buick has announced that Apple Carplay and Android Auto will be available on the 2017 Envision. While it's not particularly important to me, I asked a Buick representative if there might be an update coming for our 2016 Premium II. Short answer: no.

He said: "While both the 2016 and 2017 have 8-inch screens, there are a few behind-the-scenes hardware updates required to enable CarPlay functionality -- different processors, different USB ports, etc. -- so no, the 2016 can't be updated later since it's more than software that's needed. 2016 does have Siri Eyes Free, which gets you the pass-through to Siri through the steering wheel, but not the visual component of CarPlay."

I didn't ask about Android Auto, but I expect it will be the same case.

 

[rbreeze]

^ Hello FloridaMatt - newbie here. Congrats on your obtaining a 2016 Envision Premium II. I'll be taking delivery of my silver/ebony '16 Envision Premium II w/KSG in a couple of days, on Aug. 30th. By the way, I enjoyed reading your thought/decision processes in ultimately choosing the 2016 Envision. My own [long] journey in choosing/buying an Envision was similar to yours, where all competitor vehicles to the Envision were eventually crossed off my list.

I was wondering myself whether my upcoming '16 Envision would be eligible for an infotainment system upgrade to add the Android Auto feature... but after having a look today at GM Service Bulletin #16-NA-042 [see my link to the SB pdf below] it appears that two GM 2016 model-year vehicles are excluded from the upgrade: 2016 Buick Envision and 2016 Cadillac SRX. It's kinda strange that the '16 Envision is excluded, given that our Envision Premium II's are equipped with GM's "IO6" Audio system, which includes Buick IntelliLink Radio with Navigation, AM/FM/SiriusXM stereo and CD/MP3 player with 8" diagonal Color Touch Screen.
I will inquire with my dealer tomorrow - to confirm or otherwise - that the Android Auto infotainment system upgrade is not available for my '16 Envision. Will update this thread accordingly.

> Link to download Service Bulletin #16-NA-042: https://www.mediafire.com/?i82o7ac75rfyjov

 

[General]

@rbreeze what did your dealer say about Apple carplay and android auto? Not really expecting a different answer in this case.

 

[Napoleon]

The reason why we're excluded might be as simple as some coding needing to be worked out, so if we're patient, we might see it come out eventually, the only question at that point is when? But as with most things that's not definitive, no point in sitting around waiting for it.

 

[General]

It's not coding, apparently there's a hardware difference that makes 2016 envisions incompatible with android auto and apply carplay.

 

[NormT]

Probably just an HDMI replacement as it is with other GM cars. Just not offered by the dealerships.