Apple has introduced the next generation of its infotainment system: CarPlay Ultra. Three years after the announcement, it's now official – and the system goes far beyond what you've come to expect from CarPlay. CarPlay Ultra not only takes over the screen for navigation and music, but is also deeply integrated into the vehicle's controls. Find out exactly what's changing, which manufacturers are involved, and much more here.
CarPlay Ultra is the biggest evolution of Apple's car platform since its launch. While previous CarPlay mirrored iPhone content—such as music, maps, and messages—CarPlay Ultra goes much further. It takes over all screens in the vehicle, including the digital cockpit and center console. This makes it no longer just an extension of the iPhone, but a fully integrated control system for the entire car.
Which car manufacturers support CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra is currently available only with Aston Martin. Starting in May 2025, it will be available for new Aston Martin vehicles in the US and Canada—either directly from the factory or via a software update for existing models. Apple has also announced that the following manufacturers have committed to supporting CarPlay Ultra:
- Audi
- Acura
- ford
- genesis
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- jaguar
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Renault
- Volvo
There is currently no exact timeline for when CarPlay Ultra will be available in these brands.
What exactly can CarPlay Ultra do?
The biggest difference from traditional CarPlay is the deep integration into the vehicle. You can now not only use media and navigation, but also control many vehicle functions directly via CarPlay. These include:
- air conditioning
- Tire pressure
- Driving modes
- Seat functions
- Lighting control
- Assistance systems
You can access these features through a new app called "Vehicle," which is embedded directly into CarPlay Ultra. So you no longer have to switch between CarPlay and the manufacturer's own vehicle software—everything runs through a central user interface.
What does CarPlay Ultra look like?
CarPlay Ultra is visually customizable and is designed in collaboration with the respective manufacturers' design teams. This means that each CarPlay Ultra interface looks different depending on which car you're sitting in. For Aston Martin, for example, an interface was developed that combines the brand's aesthetics with Apple's design philosophy.
You can customize your display layout—for example, whether the focus is on the speedometer and tachometer or whether Apple Maps dominates the entire screen. Colors, background images, and display styles can also be customized.
Widgets and new display options
A new feature is the widget screen, which directly displays information such as calendar, weather, reminders or music.
These widgets are controlled by the iPhone, but can be displayed on different screens in the car – either in the center or in the instrument cluster.
How do you control CarPlay Ultra?
The operation works in several ways:
- via touchscreen
- via physical buttons and controls in the car
- by voice input with Siri
So you can change the music while driving using a rotary control or adjust the temperature using voice commands – whatever you want.
Will classic CarPlay be discontinued?
No. Apple has confirmed that it will continue to support existing CarPlay. CarPlay Ultra is an enhancement and will be rolled out gradually. So, if you're currently happy with CarPlay, there's no need to buy a new car right away—but if you want a future-proof vehicle, you'll want to keep an eye on developments.
CarPlay Ultra: More than just a screen in the car
CarPlay Ultra brings significantly more features, control, and integration to the car. It not only handles the display, but also controls many systems, visually adapting to the brand and your preferences. Initially, CarPlay Ultra is only available from Aston Martin, but many other manufacturers have announced their support. If you're an Apple user and appreciate modern vehicle technology, CarPlay Ultra is definitely exciting for you. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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