Hi everyone,
I’m having an issue with Apple CarPlay on my 2018 Ford Focus equipped with SYNC 3.
Every time I connect my iPhone via USB, the screen shows the message:
“The Apple device cannot be accessed via USB at the moment.”
The phone charges normally, but CarPlay never starts.
Here’s my setup and what I’ve already tried:
- SYNC version: 3.4.14 (build 23188) — updated from 3.0 using a USB flash drive
- iPhone: latest iOS version
- Cable: original Apple Lightning cable (tested and works for data transfer on PC)
- Tried on another iPhone: same result
- Android Auto works perfectly, the issue happens only with CarPlay
- USB flash drives work normally
- The system even shows the prompt to accept CarPlay, and CarPlay is enabled in SYNC settings
- Wireless CarPlay adapters also fail and show the same message
- I’ve reset SYNC to factory defaults, reset network settings on iPhone, and checked “Allow USB accessories” — none of that helped
So the only persistent issue is this message:
“The Apple device cannot be accessed via USB at the moment.”
Has anyone else experienced this on version 3.4.14 build 23188?
Any tips or confirmed fixes would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
SYNC Region: ANZ
Navigation Variant: Nav
Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20
Install Type: OEM
Old SYNC Version: 3.0
New SYNC Version: 3.4
Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
Unable to connect to the Apple device at the moment.
Update Method: CyanLabs Syn3 Updater
Syn3 Updater Version: .
Syn3 Updater Documentation Read: yes
Syn3 Updater Log File
.