CarPlay Ultra has begun rolling out, but before you get excited, it will initially only be available with new Aston Martin vehicles ordered in Canada and the U.S. while existing models will get access to the new features via a software update in the coming weeks. But it provides a glimpse of what’s to come for other premium vehicles as well in the future.
CarPlay Ultra builds on the capabilities of CarPlay by deeply integrating with the vehicle to deliver the best of both iPhone and the car. It provides information for all the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering a customizable experience. Many other automakers around the world are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
“This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker,” says Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. We are excited to kick off the rollout of CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin, and this is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way.”
CarPlay Ultra provides content for all the driver’s screens, including the instrument cluster, with dynamic and beautiful options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more, bringing a consistent look and feel to the driving experience. Drivers can choose to show information from their iPhone, like maps and media, along with information that comes from the car, like advanced driver assistance systems and tire pressure, right in the instrument cluster.
Drivers can also use onscreen controls, physical buttons, or Siri 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, right from CarPlay. There are also widgets powered by iPhone that fit the car’s screen or gauge cluster to provide information at a glance.
Custom themes are crafted in close collaboration between Apple and the automaker’s design team, resulting in experiences that feel tailor-made for each vehicle. Drivers can also personalize the colours and wallpapers of themes to match their individual tastes.
“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra,” says Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin’s CEO. “As a brand, our focus on world-leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance, and craftsmanship. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers. Building on our in-house state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalization opportunities, which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.”
Beginning in the U.S. and Canada, CarPlay Ultra will be available for Aston Martin’s core model lineup and will expand to include vehicles globally in the next 12 months. CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later.