US tech firm Apple has introduced its next-generation in-car smartphone mirroring system, CarPlay Ultra, which was first shown at the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference. Apple CarPlay Ultra extends functionality beyond the touchscreen and can now be mirrored on the instrument cluster. Additionally, features like climate and audio controls are accessible through the CarPlay interface and can be adjusted using voice commands.
- CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer
- First rollout in US and Canada, followed by global launch in the next 12 months
Apple CarPlay Ultra new features explained
Driver's display
Drivers can choose to show information from their iPhone, like maps and media, alongside the speedometer and tachometer. Custom themes, backgrounds, screen layouts and colour options can be selected as well.
Touchscreen
Through CarPlay Ultra, drivers can access both standard and advanced vehicle functions using on-screen controls or Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. Siri can handle everyday tasks like changing music tracks or adjusting the cabin temperature, as well as complex functions such as vehicle performance settings. It also introduces Apple iPhone widgets to provide information at a glance.
New Aston Martin cars to get Apple CarPlay Ultra first
Lineup includes models like Vanquish, DB12, DBX 707
Aston Martin is the first carmaker to offer CarPlay Ultra in its cars. 2025 model year Vanquish, DB12, Vantage, DBX 707 and the DBX S will get CarPlay Ultra as standard. The second-generation CarPlay is currently available for new Aston Martin cars in the US and Canada, with plans to expand to other countries over the next year. Existing Aston Martin cars in these countries with the brand’s next-gen infotainment system will be eligible for a software update in the coming weeks to support CarPlay Ultra.
Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and many other carmakers are currently working on adding CarPlay Ultra to their upcoming vehicles.
Hormazd Sorabjee
Anurag Chaturvedi
