Next-Gen Apple CarPlay Ultra Is Here, But You’ll Need $200K and a Cigar to Try It

Apple CarPlay is getting an “Ultra” upgrade that moves its in-car experience beyond a boilerplate add-on to a more permanent fixture in the car.

The idea is to more deeply integrate CarPlay into every screen of the vehicle, including the digital cluster and center console, and to customize the appearance for each car brand. Aston Martin vehicles will be the first to get Apple CarPlay Ultra, followed by more affordable brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

Apple CarPlay Ultra in an Aston Martin (Credit: Apple)

Known as the “gentlemen’s car,” Aston Martins are made in the UK. You’ve probably seen them in several James Bond movies. Its lineup includes sedans, convertibles, SUVs, and hypercars, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $3.5 million.

“CarPlay Ultra allows automakers to express their distinct design philosophy with the look and feel their customers expect,” Apple says. “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.” For example, Aston Martin can choose from “dynamic and beautiful options for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and more.”

Apple CarPlay Ultra in an Aston Martin (Credit: Apple)

Drivers can also choose the information that shows on the screens from their iPhone, like maps or Spotify, alongside manufacturer-provided content, such as driver assistance alerts and tire pressure. CarPlay Ultra also introduces custom widgets “to provide information at a glance.”

The system requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. It’s available now in the US and Canada on new Aston Martin orders, with plans to expand globally in the next 12 months.

Apple CarPlay Ultra (Credit: Aston Martin)

Can CarPlay Ultra Compete With Google Built-In?

In the past few years, several car companies have dropped CarPlay support, including Tesla, Rivian, and GM. They see it as a less customizable system with the potential for technical issues, and are instead building their own tech (a very Apple-like approach). Other companies, like Ford, Hyundai, and Toyota, have opted to continue supporting CarPlay and Android Auto.

Another trend is the rise of Google’s built-in dash system. When you’re inside a Volvo or Polestar, for example, you’ll notice the dash screens are all Google-built, with clear Google branding and products like Maps. Google markets the system as a fully integrated, customizable system, which is the same messaging Apple is pushing with CarPlay Ultra.

Google Built-In on a Volvo EX90 (Credit: Emily Forlini/PCMag)

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About Emily Forlini

Senior Reporter

I’m the expert at PCMag for all things electric vehicles and AI. I’ve written hundreds of articles on these topics, including product reviews, daily news, CEO interviews, and deeply reported features. I also cover other topics within the tech industry, keeping a pulse on what technologies are coming down the pipe that could shape how we live and work.

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