After what seems like delay after delay, Apple has today finally unveiled the next generation of its CarPlay system. The new CarPlay Ultra will tie into a car’s software systems and work on multiple displays for the first time, but at launch, it’ll only be available to buyers of Aston Martins in the United States and Canada.
Apple announced the new CarPlay Ultra feature via a Newsroom post, saying that existing, modern Aston Martin vehicles will receive a software update within the coming weeks that will add the feature.
CarPlay Ultra builds on the capabilities of CarPlay and provides the ultimate in-car experience by deeply integrating with the vehicle to deliver the best of iPhone and the best of the car. It provides information for all of the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience.
Apple also confirmed that other automakers will support CarPlay Ultra in the future, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis already set to add the feature in the future.
“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. “This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker. We are excited to kick off the rollout of CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin — and this is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way.”
Owners of vehicles with Apple CarPlay Ultra support can control climate control and other things from within the software, while the driver’s screen will also be taken over for the first time. Apple Maps, Music, and other features are all available alongside customizable speedometers and more.
The new Apple CarPlay Ultra feature works in both wired and wireless mode, with the former offering the best performance. You’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later for it to work.
You may also like to check out:
You can follow us on X, or Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.
