The arrival of CarPlay Ultra marks an important step in the evolution of Apple's infotainment systems for cars. After several years of development, the Cupertino company has officially unveiled this new version of the popular software, thus inaugurating a period of greater integration and customization in connected vehicles. The industry has been highly excited, both for the technological possibilities and the impact on car manufacturers, who are gradually joining this new digital ecosystem.
The world premiere of CarPlay Ultra It has as its protagonist Aston Martin, whose new models in the United States and Canada will receive it starting today. Furthermore, existing vehicles of the brand are expected to be updated to include it in the coming months. Internationally, the implementation will take effect within a year, thus covering the prestigious British firm's global market.
A more integrated system adapted to each manufacturer
One of the key advances of CarPlay Ultra It's a much deeper integration with the car's own systems. Now, the software not only displays iPhone data, such as music, maps, or widgets, but can also access vital vehicle information: from the speedometer and tachometer to fuel gauges, tire pressure, temperature, and driver assistance systems. The driver can control everything from climate control and radio to performance parameters and audio settings., and all from a revamped interface, directly on the cockpit and instrument panel displays.
Another relevant aspect is the personalization of the visual experienceApple has confirmed close collaboration with car manufacturers to adapt the interface to each brand's design and philosophy. This means that the final look of CarPlay Ultra will vary by car, aiming to offer an experience more consistent with each manufacturer's style. The collaboration with Aston Martin is the first example of this trend, but other companies are expected to follow suit in the future.
Expansion and support: brands betting on CarPlay Ultra
Apple isn't limiting itself to Aston Martin, as it has mentioned that other companies in the sector are actively working to incorporate CarPlay Ultra into their catalogs. Among the firms that have shown interest are Hyundai, Genesis and Kia, which are already preparing to integrate the system into their future vehicles. The adoption of multimedia technologies in cars promises to continue growing, although the specific launch schedule for each brand has yet to be finalized.
Apple's initial list of partners also included heavyweights such as Lincoln, Nissan, Ford, Audi, Jaguar, and Infiniti, although some companies, such as Mercedes-Benz, have decided to reconsider their support for this technology in the final analysis. Apple's strategy is to offer support to as many manufacturers as possible, although confirmation of each integration will depend on individual agreements.
Requirements and technical considerations
To use CarPlay Ultra It is essential to have a iPhone 12 or later and have iOS 18.5 or higher installed. This technical requirement ensures a smooth user experience and that the new deep integration features are fully enabled. Apple is expected to provide more details on the rollout and what's new with the system during its upcoming WWDC 2025 conference.
Although the goal is to become a solid alternative to Android Automotive, not all brands have been equally enthusiastic about Apple's commitment. In fact, figures such as Herbert Diess, former CEO of Volkswagen, have expressed some reservations about the rise of external infotainment systems, believing they could detract from traditional manufacturers' role in the digital vehicle experience.
CarPlay Ultra represents Apple's most ambitious attempt to offer a connected car experience that not only plays mobile content, but also integrates software into the entire vehicle and its internal systems, expanding the possibilities and customization for each user.
The new version begins its journey with Aston Martin and will soon expand to more brands and countries. Its advanced integration and agreements with manufacturers promise to gradually transform the relationship between drivers, vehicles, and technology, in a context where connectivity and personalization are increasingly crucial to the driving experience.
