Apple said on Thursday it has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation version of its in-vehicle infotainment software, nearly three years after it was first unveiled. The rollout begins with new Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, with broader availability to follow.
CarPlay Ultra represents a significant upgrade from the previous version of CarPlay. While it still requires an iPhone to operate, the system now fully integrates with both the vehicle’s main infotainment screen and the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. It will display real-time vehicle data such as speed, fuel economy, trip details, and engine temperature, and will also support control of select vehicle functions for users with an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5.
Some features — including backup cameras — will continue to override the CarPlay interface when necessary. Apple also noted that compatible existing Aston Martin models will receive CarPlay Ultra via a dealer-installed software update in the coming weeks.
CarPlay Ultra arrives amid rising competition from Google’s Android Auto, which is increasingly embedded directly into vehicles. Just this week, Google announced plans to integrate its Gemini generative AI assistant into Android Auto, heightening the rivalry between the two tech giants in the automotive space.
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Apple acknowledged the delay in launching CarPlay Ultra and attributed it in part to the need to adapt the software to the “unique brand and visual design philosophies” of individual automakers. The company said it collaborated closely with Aston Martin’s design team and has created custom themes with adjustable colors and wallpapers to offer a more personalized experience for drivers.
Despite Apple’s initial announcement in 2022 touting partnerships with 14 automakers, the actual rollout has been more limited. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have now signed on to support CarPlay Ultra, but others such as Mercedes-Benz have since opted out.
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The original version of CarPlay has proven highly popular, and Apple’s enhanced system aims to maintain that momentum by offering deeper integration and a more immersive user experience. However, the pace of adoption by automakers will likely determine whether CarPlay Ultra becomes as ubiquitous as its predecessor.
