CUPERTINO, CA – Apple has officially begun the rollout of “CarPlay Ultra,” the next generation of its in-car infotainment system, promising an unprecedented level of integration between iPhone and vehicle. Designed to go far beyond simple screen mirroring, CarPlay Ultra aims to transform the entire driving experience by taking over multiple in-car displays and offering deep control over vehicle functions.

• Next-Gen Integration: Apple’s new “CarPlay Ultra” is rolling out, deeply integrating iPhones with vehicle systems to take over multiple in-car displays and control core vehicle functions.
• Early Availability & Compatibility: Initially launching with Aston Martin, CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5+ to enable its advanced features.
• Enhanced Features: Key additions include full multi-screen display takeover (including instrument clusters), direct vehicle function control, and extensive customization options with themes and widgets.

What is CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra is a revolutionary evolution of Apple’s in-car software. Unlike previous iterations that largely functioned as a mirrored display of your iPhone, Ultra deeply integrates with the vehicle’s native systems. This means it can now project information and controls across all of a car’s screens, including the digital instrument cluster, central infotainment display, and even passenger screens. It essentially replaces the car’s built-in operating system for a more cohesive and customizable Apple-centric experience.

When is it Launching?

CarPlay Ultra has officially commenced its rollout, with Aston Martin being the first automaker to offer the advanced system. New Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada are now compatible, and existing Aston Martin models featuring the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will receive an update in the coming weeks. While Aston Martin has exclusivity for now, Apple has confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are actively working to implement CarPlay Ultra in future vehicles. Other announced partners include Land Rover, Lincoln, Audi, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Porsche, Jaguar, Acura, Polestar, and Infiniti, though specific timelines for their adoption remain undisclosed.

What Phones Will It Be Compatible With?

To experience CarPlay Ultra, iPhone users will need an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This ensures the necessary processing power and software compatibility for the system’s enhanced capabilities.

What Features Will It Add?

CarPlay Ultra introduces a wealth of new features designed to enhance usability, customization, and control:

• Full Multi-Screen Takeover: The most significant change is CarPlay Ultra’s ability to seamlessly extend across all driver-facing displays, including the crucial instrument cluster. This allows for Apple Maps navigation to take over the entire gauge cluster, for instance, or for widgets to be prominently displayed.
• Deep Vehicle Integration: No longer confined to entertainment and navigation, CarPlay Ultra now provides direct access and control over core vehicle functions. This includes climate controls, seat heating, tire pressure monitoring, drive modes, and even advanced driver assistance system information, all within the familiar Apple interface.
• Customizable Themes and Widgets: Drivers can personalize their in-car experience with various instrument cluster themes, colors, and wallpapers, many of which are uniquely designed in collaboration with each automaker to blend Apple’s aesthetic with the car brand’s identity. New iPhone-powered widgets can be added to displays, providing at-a-glance information for Calendar, Weather, Reminders, and more.
• Siri Integration for Vehicle Control: Siri is more deeply integrated, allowing voice commands to control not just media and navigation, but also vehicle-specific functions like adjusting the climate or changing driving modes.
• Seamless Information Flow: The system blends information from your iPhone (like maps and music) with car data (like fuel levels and warnings) to create a cohesive and intuitive display across all screens. Certain native car UI elements, such as reversing camera feeds or specialized sound system settings, can also “punch through” into the CarPlay Ultra environment, maintaining their original appearance.