Apple, the renowned US technology company, has unveiled its next-generation in-car smartphone mirroring system, CarPlay Ultra. This innovative system was first presented at the 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference. CarPlay Ultra not only expands its functionality beyond traditional touchscreen interfaces but is also designed to be mirrored on the instrument cluster of vehicles. Features such as climate control and audio settings can now be accessed via the CarPlay interface and adjusted through voice commands.
- Compatible with iPhone 12 or newer models running iOS 18.5 or later
- Initial launch in the car markets of the U.S. and Canada, with a global rollout planned within the next year
New Features of Apple CarPlay Ultra
Driver’s Display
Drivers can customize their cockpit display to show information from their iPhone, including maps and media controls, alongside essential metrics such as the speedometer and tachometer. The interface allows for the selection of custom themes, backgrounds, screen layouts, and color variations.
Touchscreen Integration
With CarPlay Ultra, drivers can control both basic and advanced vehicle features using either on-screen options or Siri, Apple’s voice-activated assistant. Siri can effortlessly handle typical tasks, such as changing music tracks or adjusting the cabin temperature, as well as more sophisticated functions related to vehicle performance settings. Additionally, Apple iPhone widgets have been incorporated to provide at-a-glance information for drivers.
Aston Martin First to Feature Apple CarPlay Ultra
Models Include Vanquish, DB12, and DBX 707
Aston Martin Vanquish’s touchscreen and driver’s display (for representation only).
Aston Martin stands as the pioneering automaker to incorporate CarPlay Ultra in its vehicles. Models such as the Vanquish, DB12, Vantage, DBX 707, and DBX S for the 2025 model year will be equipped with CarPlay Ultra as standard. The second-generation CarPlay is currently available for new Aston Martin vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada, with plans for distribution to other markets in the upcoming year. In these two regions, existing Aston Martin vehicles featuring the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will be eligible for a CarPlay Ultra upgrade through an upcoming software update obtainable at local dealerships.
Several other manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, are actively working on integrating CarPlay Ultra into their forthcoming vehicle models.
