Apple CarPlay Ultra is here

Well, sort of here: Apple’s next-generation CarPlay platform, CarPlay Ultra, is now available in new Aston Martin vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada. In the coming weeks, Existing Aston Martin models equipped with the brand’s latest infotainment system will receive the update via software.

CarPlay Ultra builds on the existing CarPlay system with deeper integration across the vehicle’s displays. It allows iPhone users to view real-time content such as maps, media, and notifications on all screens, including the instrument cluster. The system also supports vehicle-specific data like tire pressure, fuel levels, and driver assistance features, presented in a layout that reflects the carmaker’s unique design.

Apple says CarPlay Ultra offers a consistent, customizable experience that adapts to each automaker’s aesthetic. Drivers can tailor the system’s colors, wallpapers, and instrument cluster themes to match their preferences.

“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent.”

CarPlay Ultra supports a range of input methods, including touch, physical buttons, and Siri voice control for managing climate, media, navigation, and performance features. It also introduces widget functionality for quick access to key information.

Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin’s CEO, said the brand is proud to be the first to offer the system: “CarPlay Ultra provides additional functionality and personalization opportunities, which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.”

Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are among the latest automakers committed to adopting CarPlay Ultra in future models. Privacy protections built into the iPhone continue to apply to this new in-car platform.

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