Q: I would like to make my App compatible with Pioneer AppRadio, what should I do?

A: First you should register your company and app information via www.appradiodev.com. Pioneer will review your company and app information and if your app meets the acceptance requirements, you will be granted access to the AppRadio Developer Program. The website will allow you to have full access to the Software Developer Kit to integrate your iOS or Android apps with the Pioneer compatible products.

Q. In order to gain access to the developer program, does my app need to be available in the Google Play or Apple App store or can I just submit an app concept?

A: In order to gain access to the site, your app must be available for download from the Google Play or Apple App store. Pioneer will download your app from the app store and confirm that it is an appropriate app for use in the vehicle. If you only have an app concept, Pioneer suggests that you review the Driver Distraction Guidelines which can be obtained from this developer site after accepting the online terms and conditions. These guidelines will help you design an app that is safe to use while driving. Once your app is in the app store, please submit all of the application information to Pioneer through this site in order to be approved and granted access to the site.

Q. Do I have to pay Pioneer a license fee for use of the SDK?

A: Currently Pioneer does not impose a license cost for use of our SDK, provided the AppRadio interface is not sold as an in-App purchase. In case you intend to sell the AppRadio interface, please contact Pioneer to discuss licensing terms.

Q: What happens if I update my App after it has already been approved by Pioneer?

A: If You wish to implement any change to an accepted Modified App that impacts a function available when a vehicle is in motion, You must first submit the proposed change to Pioneer for a new review. Pioneer may accept or reject the new functionality in its sole discretion. If there is an iOS version, You may submit the new Modified App to Apple only upon receipt of Pioneer’s acceptance. If You are implementing a change that does not impact a function available when the car is in motion, then Pioneer requests to be advised at least two weeks before the change is introduced, to allow any necessary changes to Pioneer marketing materials.

Q: How long does it normally take to make an App compatible with Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode?

A: It is very difficult to give one answer to this question, as it depends on several factors. The biggest factor is the availability of a landscape view HMI. If this is available already and the HMI can be reasonably judged safe to use in the car, the development can proceed fast and be completed in two to three weeks. If more HMI work is required then development can take some more time, but in most cases we have found that three to five weeks of development time should be enough to prepare an app for submission for approval.

Q: In what format should I submit my test build to Pioneer? What kind of provisioning do you prefer in the case of iOS Apps?

A: Please use the developer website to upload your test build package. In the case of iOS, we prefer over-the-air adhoc provisioning, if possible. If you cannot provide an over-the-air build, please upload your .ipa file with the adhoc mobile provisioning file that includes the UDID’s for the Pioneer test phones. The UDID list can be found in the Assets area of your AppRadio Developer Dashboard. For Android, please just upload your .apk file using the developer website.

Q: Why does Pioneer need to validate my App?

A: Our validation process ensures that the Pioneer SDK has been integrated properly with your application. We confirm that touch operations and parking brake restrictions are enabled properly and the user experience is satisfactory for in-car use.

Q: How does Pioneer validate my App?

A: We use a standard check sheet to test Apps on our devices. There is a self certification check sheet similar to what Pioneer uses to test the compatible app. It is necessary that you complete the self certification check prior to submitting your app through the website. As an app developer, it is your responsibility to acquire a compatible Pioneer headunit to test the integration. Please visit www.pioneerelectronics.com/appradiomode to view the list of compatible devices.

Q: How long does App validation take?

A: We commit to validate a new App in less than 30 days. In practice it should be quicker than that, but the time required varies according to the number of applications in process.

Q. My app was rejected by Pioneer. I received an issue list from Pioneer. What should I do?

A: Pioneer ranks the issues as follows: Must Fix: This is an issue Pioneer considers necessary to fix in order to receive Pioneer approval. Please ensure this issue is addressed before re-submitting your app for approval Nice to fix: This is an issue which Pioneer does not consider critical. Pioneer will not reject an app because of such an issue, but would recommend fixing it if possible App Spec: This is an issue which Pioneer considers not to offer an optimal consumer experience, but which Pioneer considers to be part of the specification of the Application and which does not need to be fixed.

Q: What happens if I just integrated the SDK, but don’t have it validated by Pioneer?

A: In the case of iOS you will have a problem getting the App approved by Apple. Pioneer provides a Product Plan to Apple, listing the Apps that are compatible with our AppRadio Mode products. Once we approve an App we provide the developer with a Product Plan ID, which must be included in the release notes when submitting the App to the Apple app store. Also in order for Apps to be visible from Pioneer devices we must register them on our AppRadio device server. Non-approved apps will not be registered and will not be displayed in the Recommended Apps list of the AppRadio app.

Q: My App has been rejected by Apple. The reason given was ‘we cannot locate your MFi Certificate PPID #’ . Is this related to Pioneer’s SDK?

A: Yes. We must register your App in our Product Plan with Apple and you must register our device PPID. In order to correct this, go to Manage Your Applications in iTunes Connect and edit your metadata to provide the MFi Certificate PPID # in the Review Notes. Once you've added this information, click "Save," then reply to the mail you received from Apple. This will allow Apple to proceed with your review.

Q: Are there any rules on the public announcement of my integration of the Pioneer AppRadio Mode SDK in my App?

A: Yes. You must not make any announcements of the app compatibility until the app has been approved by both Pioneer as well as Apple in the case of iOS. If your app which includes the Pioneer SDK integration is not in the Apple app store, it cannot be announced in accordance with Apple’s requirements. If possible Pioneer would like to coordinate our announcement with yours. We normally require 3 days after App approval to make the App selectable on our devices. The Pioneer marketing team will contact you during the approval process to coordinate launch strategies.

Q: Can I use the Pioneer logo in my promotional activities and if so where can I get the image files.

A: Once your App has been approved you may use the Pioneer logo for promotion of the App, subject to the respect of Pioneer’s brand guidelines which can be downloaded from the Marketing Materials section on your www.appradiodev.com dashboard. Please refer to these guidelines before preparing your promotional material.

Q: I would like to make a press release about my App being compatible with Pioneer’s AppRadio Mode. Can Pioneer provide me with some quotations and product imagery?

A: There is no guarantee on quotations and imagery from Pioneer. However, our marketing team will contact you during the approval process to coordinate launch strategies and activities. Please be sure to provide use with your marketing person’s contact email in the company profile area of your app on www.appradiodev.com.

Q. Will Pioneer promote my App via its website and social networking outlets?

A: Pioneer will make it’s best effort to feature compatible Apps on its website and when possible, make announcements of new Apps via its support social media networks (Facebook, Twitter). Our marketing team will contact you during the Approval process to coordinate launch strategies.

Q: If I receive consumer feedback which relates to Pioneer products, what should I do?

A: Consumer feedback/ support requested can be emailed to Pioneer at appdev@pioneer-usa.com.