Apple is launching CarPlay Ultra, a redesigned version of its infotainment system. The new software is designed to significantly enhance vehicle functionality than previous versions and will first be available in new Aston Martin vehicles. Other manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, are expected to follow in the coming months. Here you'll find all the known facts about CarPlay Ultra, the supported brands, and what might change for you.
CarPlay has been a popular system for iPhone users for years, allowing them to access navigation, music, calls, and messages in the car. With CarPlay Ultra, Apple is now taking it a step further . The system is significantly more integrated into the vehicle than previous versions. Apple promises a customized user interface, new features, and better control options directly in the car. Since its initial presentation at WWDC 2022, there has been a long silence – now the rollout begins.
What makes CarPlay Ultra new
CarPlay Ultra offers features that go beyond the current CarPlay interface. The software is integrated directly into the car's instrument cluster. This means you can see navigation, speed, fuel level, and battery status directly on the digital speedometer—and no longer just on the central infotainment screen. The radio and climate control will also be controlled via CarPlay Ultra. This means you no longer have to switch between CarPlay and the native vehicle software; you can control everything directly through Apple. You also have the option to customize widgets to your own preferences. You can also determine the interface's color scheme yourself, depending on the vehicle model and your taste. A key feature of CarPlay Ultra is that the software doesn't look the same everywhere. The user interface is customized for each manufacturer and model to ensure it visually matches the vehicle. Apple calls this "a new level of vehicle integration."
Availability in vehicles
The launch will be with Aston Martin. Buyers in the US and Canada can now use CarPlay Ultra in newly ordered vehicles. Some existing models will receive a software update in the coming weeks that will retrofit CarPlay Ultra. This is unusual because many vehicle features are not typically updated retroactively. In addition to Aston Martin, Apple plans to introduce CarPlay Ultra to other brands. Three Korean manufacturers were named : Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. The launch is scheduled for sometime next year. At WWDC 2022, Apple also published a list of additional manufacturers that plan to support CarPlay Ultra. While this list is no longer current, it contains relevant information. These include:
- Acura
- Audi
- ford
- Honda
- Infiniti
- jaguar
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Mercedes Benz
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Renault
- Volvo
Porsche showcased an instrument cluster with CarPlay integration at the end of 2023, but hasn't announced any further updates since then. Mercedes-Benz has been rather reluctant recently. The company's management expressed concerns about allowing Apple to control key vehicle functions. It remains unclear whether and when CarPlay Ultra will actually be installed.
What you can expect as a user
CarPlay Ultra will transform infotainment in many cars. The system is likely to be significantly more attractive than previous versions, especially for iPhone users. Centralized control of climate, navigation, media, and vehicle data via a unified Apple interface is practical. The option for personalization is also new. If you're planning to buy a new vehicle or are hoping for a software update, you should check with the manufacturer to see if CarPlay Ultra is planned. Integration depends heavily on the vehicle model and the respective software version.
CarPlay Ultra launches – who’s next?
CarPlay Ultra is the most comprehensive version of Apple's vehicle software to date. Its deep integration with vehicle functions, customizable user interface, and integration of additional control elements make the system a relevant upgrade for many drivers. It will launch with Aston Martin, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, with plans to follow soon. Additional manufacturers have been announced in the past, but specific dates are still pending. For iPhone owners who regularly use CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra could quickly become a standard in their cars. (Image: Apple)
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