There's no doubt that the Apple iPhone has had a huge impact on modern life, keeping users connected to their worlds, revolutionizing communication, and streamlining several electronic devices into one convenient package. The impact of the smartphone and iOS—Apple’s mobile operating system—has been felt in cars, too, where it has revolutionized navigation, entertainment, and technology. Today, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are nearly ubiquitous, with only a few automakers opting not to offer the technology. Now, Apple takes another step forward with the introduction of Apple CarPlay Ultra.
Apple CarPlay Ultra: What You Need to Know
- What is Apple CarPlay?
- How is Apple CarPlay Ultra Different from Regular CarPlay?
- Safety Limitations of Apple CarPlay Ultra
- What Automakers Will Offer Apple CarPlay Ultra?
- Some Carmakers Are Saying “No” to CarPlay Ultra–For Now
What is Apple CarPlay?
First, a little bit about Apple CarPlay. Preceded by the more simplistic Siri Eyes-Free software, Apple CarPlay fundamentally changed automotive tech. It operates much like an extension of the vehicle's native infotainment system, offering a familiar interface to control audio, maps, text messaging, and other secondary iPhone apps. After CarPlay debuted in 2014 (in a Ferrari FF), Google was also quick to recognize its advantages and introduced the competing Android Auto system in 2015. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been game-changers for in-car infotainment and remain a staple in the industry. We'd actually deduct points for vehicles that didn't offer it as a standard feature.
How is Apple CarPlay Ultra Different from Regular CarPlay?
This Apple CarPlay Ultra upgrade debuts with the 2025 Aston Martin DBX and will be expanded to the entire lineup soon after. It can also be added to any Aston Martin with the current infotainment system, which debuted in 2023.
Apple CarPlay Ultra expands beyond the touchscreen, spreading additional widgets to the instrument cluster and tying in with other vehicle features. For example, you can adjust the climate control and radio functions without having to leave CarPlay. That may not seem like a significant breakthrough until you realize that in the few seconds it takes to tap the infotainment system's home button and navigate to your desired feature, your vehicle could have traveled several hundred feet at highway speeds. Any reduction in driver distraction is well worth it.
CarPlay Ultra doesn't stop there, however, as the system can also be integrated with the driver's gauge cluster. It can display map information and also allow for speedometer and other instrument customization if you prefer to have certain menus appear on the panel or the central touchscreen. CarPlay Ultra also introduces Apple's unique design aesthetic to your car screens, extending that familiar look throughout the cabin.
Safety Limitations of Apple CarPlay Ultra
Control is limited to traditional infotainment functions and climate adjustments. For safety reasons, CarPlay Ultra cannot affect more vehicle-specific features. For example, you can't use voice controls to change your drive mode from Comfort to Sport, as that shift will alter driving dynamics and possibly reduce stability control intervention. You also can't disable safety features via voice or through CarPlay Ultra for the same reasons.
What Automakers Will Offer Apple CarPlay Ultra?
Currently, only iPhone users with an Aston Martin can enjoy Apple CarPlay Ultra. However, CarPlay Ultra will gain more reach going forward, as Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Porsche have already signed on. That said, details are still scarce as to which vehicles from those four car manufacturers will employ the software and its new features.
Some Carmakers Are Saying “No” to CarPlay Ultra–For Now
As ubiquitous as the standard CarPlay has become, there has also been some friction with manufacturers because of Apple's stranglehold on user data and behavior. Data is a commodity all its own, and some carmakers continue to resist giving that up, or are planning to scale back integration.
Neither Tesla nor Rivian has ever included any version of CarPlay in their vehicles, and GM announced a few years ago that its EVs from Chevrolet, GMC, and Buick—plus their future products—will go without CarPlay or Android Auto. There is some pushback from other carmakers regarding the next generation of CarPlay, likely because they prefer to maintain a consistent infotainment interface throughout their vehicles. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, and Volvo, have turned away from the Ultra upgrade, but the standard CarPlay will likely continue to be included.
More likely than not, some sort of agreeable middle ground will be found, as the benefits for users, carmakers, and Apple are too great to ignore.
