After nearly three years of waiting and multiple missed launch dates, Apple's next-generation in-car technology has finally arrived. The highly anticipated update to Apple's vehicle integration system has been rebranded as CarPlay Ultra and is set to transform how iPhone users interact with their vehicles.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
First announced at WWDC in 2022, Apple's next-generation CarPlay has undergone a significant evolution before reaching consumers. Now branded as CarPlay Ultra, the system represents a major leap forward in automotive technology integration. Aston Martin has secured the position as the first manufacturer to implement the system, with vehicles ordered in the US and Canada beginning to ship with CarPlay Ultra installed as standard. Current Aston Martin owners aren't left behind either—those with compatible vehicles will be able to receive the Ultra update from dealerships starting in June.
Comprehensive Dashboard Integration
Unlike the previous generation of CarPlay that was limited to the central infotainment display, CarPlay Ultra extends Apple's ecosystem across the entire dashboard, including the instrument cluster. This integration allows drivers to view essential vehicle information alongside iPhone content in a cohesive interface. The system merges with the automaker's design language to create a consistent look and feel throughout the vehicle's displays.
Customization and Control Options
CarPlay Ultra offers extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize everything from instrument cluster themes to color schemes. This flexibility enables both car manufacturers and drivers to create tailored multi-screen setups that prioritize the information most relevant to their driving experience. The system supports multiple control methods, including touchscreen inputs, physical buttons, and voice commands via Siri, ensuring drivers can interact with their vehicles in whatever way feels most natural and safe.
Enhanced Functionality
One of the most significant improvements in CarPlay Ultra is its ability to access and control vehicle-specific functions. Users can now manage climate controls, check tire pressure, adjust performance settings, and interact with advanced driver assistance systems directly through the CarPlay interface. This integration eliminates the need to switch between different interfaces to control various aspects of the vehicle, creating a more seamless driving experience.
Device and Software Requirements
To use CarPlay Ultra, drivers will need an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer. This requirement ensures that the system has access to the processing power and software capabilities necessary to deliver its enhanced functionality. Unlike Google's Android Automotive, which runs independently of a smartphone, CarPlay Ultra remains tethered to the iPhone, leveraging its computational resources and maintaining Apple's ecosystem integration.
CarPlay Ultra Requirements
- iPhone 12 or later
- iOS 18.5 or newer
- Compatible vehicle with manufacturer's latest infotainment system
Initial Availability
- First available in Aston Martin vehicles (US and Canada)
- Compatible Aston models: DBX SUV, Vanquish, Vantage, and DB12
- Global rollout expected over next 12 months
Confirmed Future Manufacturer Support
- Aston Martin
- Porsche
- Audi
- Honda
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Genesis
Future Availability
While Aston Martin leads the initial rollout in North America, a broader market expansion is expected over the next 12 months. Several other manufacturers have committed to implementing CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Porsche. However, not all automakers are embracing Apple's technology—Mercedes-Benz has notably expressed reluctance to cede control of its cockpit interface to a third party.
Competition with Google
The launch of CarPlay Ultra comes at an interesting time in the automotive technology landscape. Just days before Apple's announcement, Google revealed that its Gemini AI assistant would be coming to Android Auto and vehicles with Google Built-in. This timing highlights the intensifying competition between the tech giants in the automotive space, with both companies working to extend their ecosystems into vehicles and enhance the driving experience through advanced technology integration.