After a five-month delay from its original timeline, Apple’s next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road. Dubbed “CarPlay Ultra,” the deeply integrated system that Apple first previewed in 2022 has begun rolling out to Aston Martin vehicles in the United States and Canada, with more automakers soon to follow.
CarPlay Ultra: A complete dashboard transformation
First polished up and showed off at WWDC 2022 to the delight of many, and then delayed even as luxury carmakers showed it off, CarPlay Ultra represents a significant evolution from the current CarPlay experience. And it’s the biggest overhaul since the system’s debut. It extends Apple’s reach from a single infotainment screen to the entire dashboard. The system now provides content for all driver displays, including the instrument cluster, with dynamic options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and temperature readings, the iPhone giant said.
“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing in the announcement.
Unlike the current CarPlay, confined to a central screen, CarPlay Ultra creates a cohesive experience across all displays. Drivers can view iPhone-based information like maps and media alongside vehicle-specific data such as tire pressure and advanced driver assistance systems directly in the instrument cluster. The system also introduces widgets that perfectly fit the car’s screen or gauge cluster to provide at-a-glance information.
Automaker customization and controls
Photo: Apple
CarPlay Ultra allows automakers to maintain their distinct design identity, Apple said. Custom themes are developed through collaboration between Apple and each automaker’s design team, resulting in experiences tailored for specific vehicles. Drivers can further personalize these themes with custom colors and wallpapers to match their preferences.
The system enables drivers to control both standard vehicle functions and advanced features using onscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri. This includes managing climate settings, audio system configurations, and even performance settings directly through CarPlay, creating a more seamless driving experience.
Limited availability and device requirements
Photo: Apple
Not all iPhone users will be able to take advantage of CarPlay Ultra. The system requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer, meaning owners of iPhone 11, XR, or older models will need to upgrade their devices to access the new features.
As for vehicle availability, Aston Martin leads the rollout, with the system available for new vehicle orders starting immediately. Existing Aston Martin models featuring the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will receive CarPlay Ultra through a dealer-provided software update in the coming weeks. The global rollout for Aston Martin vehicles will continue over the next 12 months.
More automakers coming soon
Photo: Apple
While Aston Martin is the first to implement CarPlay Ultra, Apple said Hyundai, Kia and Genesis newly committed to supporting the platform. These brands join a previously announced roster of automakers that includes Porsche, Land Rover, Lincoln, Audi, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Jaguar, Acura, Polestar, Infiniti and Renault.
Watch a Top Gear walk-through video of CarPlay Ultra:
However, not all automakers have maintained their commitment. Mercedes-Benz, originally included in Apple’s 2022 announcement, abandoned its plans to support CarPlay Ultra. Apple has not provided a comprehensive, updated list of supporting manufacturers, leaving questions about which other automakers might have changed their plans.
For Apple users with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later who are considering a new Aston Martin — or holding out for availability in other vehicles — CarPlay Ultra represents the most significant advancement in Apple’s automotive integration since the original CarPlay debuted. The system maintains Apple’s privacy standards while delivering a more unified, customizable and immersive driving experience.
Source: Apple
