After years of anticipation, Apple's next-generation vehicle infotainment system has finally arrived, though with a more limited initial rollout than many expected. First unveiled at WWDC 2022 with promises of a 2024 launch, the system has now been rebranded as CarPlay Ultra and is making its debut in select high-end vehicles.
Aston Martin Takes the Lead
Apple's CarPlay Ultra is officially rolling out first to Aston Martin vehicles, marking a significant milestone in automotive technology integration. New Aston Martin orders in the US and Canada will come equipped with CarPlay Ultra, while existing models with compatible infotainment systems will receive the update in the coming weeks through a software update. This exclusive initial partnership highlights Apple's strategy of targeting luxury vehicles first before broader market adoption.
Expanded Display Integration
The most significant advancement in CarPlay Ultra is its ability to integrate with all displays in a vehicle's cabin, not just the central infotainment screen. This includes the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, allowing drivers to view speedometers, tachometers, fuel gauges, and temperature readings through Apple's interface. The system can also display information from the iPhone such as maps, media controls, advanced driver assistance systems, and even tire pressure directly in the instrument cluster, creating a more cohesive and customizable driving experience.
Key Features of CarPlay Ultra
- Integration with all vehicle displays including instrument clusters
- Customizable interface with themes, colors and wallpapers
- Vehicle control integration (climate, radio)
- Widget support for at-a-glance information
- Siri voice control for vehicle functions
Customization Options
CarPlay Ultra offers extensive customization options for both automakers and drivers. Car manufacturers can tailor the interface to match their brand's design philosophy and aesthetic, ensuring the system feels native to each vehicle. Meanwhile, drivers can personalize their experience by adjusting colors, wallpapers, and instrument cluster themes. This flexibility allows for a more personalized driving experience while maintaining the intuitive Apple interface users are familiar with.
Enhanced Vehicle Controls
Beyond just displaying information, CarPlay Ultra provides deeper integration with vehicle systems. Drivers can use onscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri voice commands to manage the car's radio and climate settings. The system also supports widgets powered by the iPhone that are designed to fit perfectly on the car's screens, providing information at a glance without requiring the driver to navigate through menus or switch applications.
Hardware and Software Requirements
To use CarPlay Ultra, drivers will need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later. This hardware requirement ensures the system has sufficient processing power to handle the expanded functionality and display capabilities. The requirement also suggests that CarPlay Ultra leverages more advanced computational features only available in newer iPhone models.
CarPlay Ultra Compatibility
- Requires iPhone 12 or newer
- Requires iOS 18.5 or later
- Initially available on select Aston Martin models
- Coming soon to Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles
Future Availability
While Aston Martin leads the initial rollout, Apple has confirmed that other manufacturers are working to implement CarPlay Ultra. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have all committed to bringing the feature to their vehicles, though no specific timeline has been provided. Notably absent from recent announcements is Porsche, which was among the manufacturers originally announced as partners when the next-generation CarPlay was first revealed in 2022.
Industry Impact
The launch of CarPlay Ultra represents Apple's most ambitious move yet into the automotive space, short of producing its own vehicle. By extending control beyond just media and navigation to include core vehicle functions and displays, Apple is positioning itself as an essential part of the modern driving experience. This deeper integration could influence how automakers approach their own infotainment systems and potentially impact future vehicle designs to better accommodate these advanced capabilities.