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CarPlay Ultra Debuts with Aston Martin, Redefining In-Car Tech Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of its in-car platform, began rolling out today with Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.

Close-up of a car's digital dashboard touchscreen displaying climate control settings alongside Apple Maps integration. The sleek, black interior highlights advanced features like temperature adjustment, fan speed, air direction, and seat A/C options.

This advanced system integrates iPhone functionality with a car’s displays and controls, delivering a seamless, customizable experience across the instrument cluster and infotainment screens.

Available in new Aston Martin orders now and via software updates for existing models soon, CarPlay Ultra marks a leap in how drivers interact with their vehicles, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis also committed to future rollouts.

Digital car dashboard showing a speedometer at 60 mph, tachometer at 3, Sport mode, Apple Maps navigation, tire pressure readings, temperature of 72°F, and odometer at 1250 miles—plus a glimpse of MICHELIN Ratings on the display.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, called it a reimagined in-car experience, per the press release. For tech enthusiasts and everyday drivers, CarPlay Ultra promises a safer, smarter way to use iPhone features like maps and media while driving, blending Apple’s interface with each automaker’s unique design.

Seamless Control, Tailored Design

CarPlay Ultra powers all driver screens, including the instrument cluster, with dynamic gauges for speed, fuel, and more, alongside iPhone content like navigation or music. Drivers can manage vehicle functions—radio, climate, or even performance settings—using onscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri, creating a fluid experience. Widgets display at-a-glance info, such as tire pressure or driver assistance alerts, directly in the cluster.

A car dashboard displays a touchscreen with SiriusXM radio and Apple Maps MICHELIN Ratings, showing song titles by Kelly Clarkson, Bad Bunny, and Ed Sheeran. The surrounding dashboard features black controls and a gear shifter.

Each automaker collaborates with Apple to craft custom themes, ensuring the interface reflects the brand’s aesthetic. Aston Martin, the first to launch, integrates its performance-driven design, with drivers able to personalize colors and wallpapers. This balance of consistency and individuality makes CarPlay Ultra feel tailor-made, enhancing both usability and brand loyalty.

Why It Matters

CarPlay Ultra builds on CarPlay’s popularity by embedding iPhone functionality deeper into the car, making driving more intuitive without distracting from the road. Its privacy measures, inherited from iPhone, ensure user data stays secure—a key concern for tech-savvy drivers. For Aston Martin owners, the rollout adds cutting-edge tech to luxury vehicles, while future adopters like Hyundai signal broader accessibility.

Digital car dashboard displays speedometer at 60 mph, a navigation map powered by Apple Maps with next turn in 1.4 miles on N De Anza Blvd, and tachometer at 3 (Sport mode). Temperature reads 195°F and outside temperature is 72°F.

The system requires an iPhone 12 or later with iOS 18.5, ensuring compatibility for most users. As more automakers join, CarPlay Ultra could set a new standard for in-car tech, blending innovation with practicality.

Marcus
About the Author

Marcus is a London-based tech enthusiast with a deep love for Apple and an active passion for sports. From the precision of the Apple Watch tracking his runs to the seamless integration of his AirPods during gym sessions, he’s all about how Apple’s innovations enhance his athletic lifestyle. When he’s not cheering on his favorite teams or testing the latest macOS features, Marcus can be found exploring London’s parks or debating the merits of the M-series chips with fellow Apple fans.

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