That usb-c port Is not going to be able to charge any modern laptop, lower powered tablets or smart phone sure.

you’ll need an adaptor for the cigarette lighter that offers PD and at least 30w at absolute minimum. Ideally 45w or more.

 

Do you know how many watts the USB-C ports in the ‘23s are rated for? 15W?

edit: nvm, just read 3A at 5V per OP’s post, which would indeed be 15W. Enough for an iPad or to slowly charge a MacBook Air.

 

Thumb drives with .mp3 music: Can the 2023 Outback's infotainment system play mp3 music from a USB thumb drive? If yes, which USB port does the thumb drive need to be plugged into?

Use the ports in the front dash cubby. The ones facing the rear seats are for charging only. I'm assuming this based on the 2020-2022 model years.

 

They are great for upping the price about $2,000 each.

 

The USB ports in the 2023 should be good enough, as previously mentioned, to charge an iPhone rapidly, most or all Android devices, and iPads. They will not charge a computer (most laptops require a 60 watt charger or greater).

 

That part about computers isn’t really true. For instance the 2021 MacBook Air (very popular computer) comes with a 30W charger in the box, but it would accept a charge at 15W. If you’re actively using the computer it may not charge very quickly, though, and may even slowly deplete if you’re really pushing it.

 

I have an anker USB C ciggy adapter in the glove box and it’s like 15w. I use it occasionally to top up my MacBook Pro or iPad Air (as long as you’re not using the devices they will charge, slowly)

 

<<< SNIP >>>
Thumb drives with .mp3 music: Can the 2023 Outback's infotainment system play mp3 music from a USB thumb drive? If yes, which USB port does the thumb drive need to be plugged into?

What else can these USB ports be used for?

The USB-A ports can be used for MP3 music. Others have said the infotainment will also play FLAC files, but I use MP3. I so not know if the USB-C ports support music play, but if they support CarPlay or Android Auto, I suspect they would support a USD-C thumbdrive with music. Even if I had a car with USB-C ports, the majority of my PCs do not, so I would still use the USB-A for music.

Once consideration is there are a number of quality nearly flush (.25" protrusion) USB-A thumb drives, which is a plus as a larger one blocks easy access to the tiny storage well, in a cabin not real famous for easily driver accessible storage compartments.

 

I use mine with an air fryer- nothing like wings on the go - LKA on, obviously 🙄

 

Thumb drives with .mp3 music: Can the 2023 Outback's infotainment system play mp3 music from a USB thumb drive? If yes, which USB port does the thumb drive need to be plugged into?

I have a 256GB Samsung USB drive in the front USB-A slot that holds my music library. Playlists and FLAC files all work fine. (Music library synced using MusicBee on Windows).

I also use the front USB-A slot for doing map updates.

Haven't yet used the USB-C slot so can't comment on that.

 

Playlists and FLAC files all work fine.

How did you make your playlists? I have not been able to get them to work on the 2020 model year.

 

Thanks @Fr3lncr , will give that a try.

 

New 2024 Touring XT owner.

I have several SD cards loaded with Flac files which I used in my previous vehicle which accepted SD card with Flac files.

What is the best option to use in my new OB and will they work?

1. Convert the Flac files to MP3 320 on my SD cards and get an SD Card adapter to plug into USB ports in the Subie
2. Is it even possible to play Flac files through the existing OB audio system
3. Purchase a "walkman type" personal audio player which accepts SD cards and just plug into the analog (round plug)

sorry for all the questions, however this is all confusing.

 

yes it will play Flac files , how big is SD card ?
you can try SD Card adapter to plug into USB... or just USB drive
i have in Outback

and in Ascent

its need to be NTFS formated

 

My SD cards are 16g to 32g.

Are you sure the audio system will play Flac files?

I guess at the above prices, I could get one from Amazon and return if it does not work.

 

I've been playing FLAC files in my '23 since I purchased it. I use a Samsung 'Fit Plus' 256GB USB drive. Transferred all my music and playlists over using MusicBee on my Windows machine.

Was great until Subaru's March '23 update which made it (for me) unusable due to the system not remembering what song/playlist you are on in addition to enabling 'repeat'. Too much hassle now to play music that way. Can't believe it is almost a year and Subaru still hasn't fixed it. (Well, they fixed the 2020-2022's, just not the '23-24's).

 

I may try one of these (1st with Flac and if that does not work, convert to MP3 320 and see if this works on these devices)

Amazon.com: Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader : Electronics

Buy Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader: Memory Card Readers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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www.amazon.com

 

2024 Onyx OB....I use my USBA connector in front for my dashcam. That leaves the USBC that I have used for my flashdrive with music. Seems to work fine. However, I found a smaller drive that is described as USBC+ that will not connect to the car. I put the older drive back in and it was fine. I put the new drive back to my PC as well as into my Android phone and it was fine. So, I'm perplexed as to why it won't work with my car. Is it the type of USBC+?

KALSAN Type C USB Flash Drive 64GB 2 in 1 USB Sticks OTG Type C+ USB 3.0 Dual Drive Waterproof Memory Stick with Keychain Metal-Silver Color https://a.co/d/e0EVSkW

 

From what I can see, there is no such thing as "USB C+", it is just lousy formatting of the product description. It should actually read "USB-C + USB-A 3.0".

As to why it doesn't work I don't have much to say. If you have a USB-C to USB-C cable, I would suggesting using it as a test, on the off chance there is some physical incompatibility between the USB-C ports on the thumb drive and the car.