Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, its next-generation in-car software experience, starting with Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Originally scheduled for late 2024, the highly anticipated system arrived five months behind schedule but brings major upgrades that aim to redefine how drivers interact with their cars.
CarPlay Ultra completely transforms the dashboard. Instead of operating on a single screen, the system spreads across every display in the car—from speedometers to infotainment panels.
Fully Integrated Experience for Drivers
Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Bob Borchers, explained that CarPlay Ultra brings a “smarter, safer way” to use an iPhone in the car. It lets users view maps, control media, and monitor vehicle data on a unified screen layout designed to match each car brand’s aesthetic.
Drivers can control the system using touchscreen inputs, physical buttons, or Siri. Apple has also introduced iPhone-powered widgets that show key information—like weather or navigation—directly on the instrument cluster.
Aston Martin Gets It First, More Brands Coming
Despite Apple showcasing 14 automakers in early teasers—including Audi and Volvo—none had released vehicles with CarPlay Ultra until now. Aston Martin took the lead, offering the system on new orders and promising software updates for existing models soon.
Apple says more manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, are working to adopt CarPlay Ultra in the next year.
iPhone Compatibility and Global Rollout
To use CarPlay Ultra, drivers need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later. While the system is currently limited to the U.S. and Canada, Apple plans to expand availability globally within the next 12 months.
This launch marks a bold move for Apple into deeper vehicle integration. With CarPlay Ultra, the company aims to offer not just infotainment—but a full, seamless driving experience powered by your iPhone.
