Apple has announced CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of its smartphone mirroring system, will roll out alongside new Aston Martin orders across the U.S. and Canada in the coming weeks. The tech giant confirmed that the new system will be available for existing Aston Martin models equipped with the OEM’s next-gen infotainment system, and can be installed through a software update carried out at their local dealer.
Building upon the capabilities of CarPlay, which Apple will continue to support alongside its next-gen counterpart, CarPlay Ultra will look to integrate more deeply with the vehicle. Apple is likewise aiming to offer an in-vehicle experience that pairs the best aspects of the iPhone with the best aspects of the vehicle it is paired with. Here the system extends beyond the center screen, providing real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster while reflecting the core look and feel of the automaker and offering deep customization along the way. In addition to Aston Martin, Apple confirmed that the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands will also be implementing CarPlay Ultra in the future, with more to be confirmed.
When activated, CarPlay Ultra provides content for all in-vehicle screens including the instrument cluster, offering dynamic options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more. In the instrument cluster, the driver can choose for this content to show information from their iPhone, including navigation and media information, as well as data from the car itself, such as ADAS information or tire pressure.
The new system will further allow drivers to use onscreen controls, physical buttons, or the Siri virtual assistant to manage both standard vehicle functions like the car’s radio and climate, as well as advanced, vehicle-specific, features and controls like audio system configurations or performance settings, facilitating a more fluid and seamless experience. CarPlay Ultra also introduces iPhone-enabled widgets that fit the car’s screen or gauge cluster to provide information at a glance.
For automakers, CarPlay Ultra aims to retain their core design philosophy, with custom themes designed in close collaboration between Apple and an OEM’s design team. While enabling experiences that Apple says feel tailor-made for each vehicle, this also allows drivers to personalize the colours and wallpapers of these themes to match their individual tastes.
CarPlay Ultra will initially be rolled out to Aston Martin’s core model line-up in the U.S. and Canada before expanding to include vehicles globally over the next 12 months. The new system will be compatible with iPhone 12 or later, running iOS 18.5 or later.
