After announcing earlier this year that it would eventually become a feature in its cars, Ford has officially announced that that the popular navigation app Waze will be added to its Sync 3 platform.

Waze integration will work via Ford's Sync AppLink platform, which means iOS users can plug their iPhone into the USB port of a Ford vehicle and have the navigation app appear on the car's screen, along with a full set of controls. Talk to Waze will be compatible too, meaning you can control all aspects of the navigation app using your voice. HOV support is included too, which provides extra navigation options and arrival times based on high-occupancy vehicle, or "carpool" lanes - this feature is for the US and Canada only.

Ford first announced the introduction of SmartDeviceLink (SDL) at MWC 2017. SDL is the platform, built by Ford and Toyota - and used by other car manufacturers - that powers AppLink and makes it easier for apps on phones to be projected onto in-car displays. At the time, the SDL consortium said that Waze would one day be available, a year later, and it is. However, the app has been available to use from Android phones since last year.

Jens Baron, product lead, in-car applications, Waze said: "We’re excited drivers of Ford SYNC 3-enabled vehicles will now be able to use Waze for iOS right from their dashboard, getting access to features like planned drives, alternative routes, talk to Waze voice commands and more,"

"They’ll also benefit from the best routes and most accurate ETAs, thanks to our global community of drivers on the go who update the map in real-time – helping our mission to one day eliminate traffic."

2018 model year Ford vehicles running SYNC 3 version 3.0 or greater will be able to run Waze on its touch screen at launch. Other SYNC 3-enabled Ford vehicles can receive an over-the-air update or an update via USB to enable Waze functionality. Only iPhone owners can use the service via AppLink, and you'll need to make sure you have iOS 11.3 installed.

Ford has also announced some other new apps coming to the Sync 3 platform. They include BPme to find BP petrol stations, Radioplayer, to stream internet radio and podcasts, and Cisco WebEx which will let you join in with meetings using voice commands.