Apple has announced that it is rolling out CarPlay Ultra, which it says offers a deeply integrated in-car experience. However, not all iPhone users will be able to benefit from the new features.
CarPlay Ultra is available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, and will be available for existing models that feature the brand’s next-generation infotainment system through a software update in the coming weeks.
Not all iPhone owners will be able to take advantage of Ultra, as Apple says it requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This means if you’re using an older model, you’ll need to purchase a more recent device to access Apple’s next-generation car integration. This shouldn’t be an issue for the first wave of users, as anyone that can afford a new Aston Martin vehicle should be able to scrape together a $1,000 or so to buy a new iPhone.
It provides information for all of the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience. Many other automakers around the world are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers, including newly committed brands Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker. We are excited to kick off the rollout of CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin — and this is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way.”
CarPlay Ultra’s sophisticated features offer deeper integration with vehicle systems all round, and will include customizable themes that match automakers’ design philosophies, along with widget support, says Apple.
Apple says CarPlay Ultra allows automakers to “express their distinct design philosophy with the look and feel their customers expect.” Custom themes are crafted to provide experiences that feel tailor-made for each vehicle. Drivers can also personalize the colors and wallpapers of themes to match their individual tastes.
