Everything You Need to Know About Apple CarPlay Ultra

• Aston Martin is the first carmaker in the world to debut Apple CarPlay Ultra.
• Integrated with both the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster.
• Drivers can now control climate, radio, and other vehicle functions using CarPlay.
• Global rollout is expected within 12 months, Apple has confirmed Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

The next generation of in-car infotainment technology has arrived with the launch of Apple CarPlay Ultra. Debuted by Aston Martin in its flagship DBX SUV, the system goes beyond basic iPhone “screen-mirroring” and now involves the complete integration of the infotainment and digital driver’s display. That’s right, owners of compatible vehicles can now see the speedometer and tachometer dials on a “CarPlay” screen on the digital instrument cluster.

Currently, the technology is only available in new Aston Martin orders in the U.S. and Canada, with owners of the existing models we’ve listed below able to update the system through their next-generation infotainment system through a software update in the coming weeks. Those of us in Australia who are looking forward to testing the system will have to wait, with global markets scheduled to roll out the technology within the next 12 months.

If you don’t have a lazy AUD$462,500 plus on-road costs lying around to experience this new tech in an Aston Martin, more affordable brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles will feature Apple CarPlay Ultra in the future, surely followed by other automakers around the world.

Teased for years, the new technology is now a reality, marking a turning point for in-car infotainment. CarPlay revolutionised how we use our cars, whether it was listening to music and podcasts through app streaming, navigating with live traffic information through Waze, or taking a phone call. CarPlay Ultra will take this a step further with deeper integration that includes the ability to manage vehicle functions like radio and climate from within CarPlay Ultra using the car’s touchscreen controls, physical buttons, or even Siri.

Here’s everything you can do with Apple CarPlay Ultra, according to a press release from Aston Martin:

• Display real-time information across:
  • The infotainment touchscreen
  • The instrument cluster
• Choose from multiple instrument cluster designs:
  • Customisable speedometer and tachometer dial styles
  • Ability to display maps and media in full screen
• Customise the display layout:
  • Create a multi-screen setup
  • Modify screen arrangement for a personalised experience
• Tailor visual themes to match your taste:
  • Select different instrument cluster themes
  • Change colours and wallpapers
• Control vehicle functions directly within CarPlay Ultra:
  • Adjust climate settings
  • Operate the radio
  • Use touchscreen, physical buttons, or Siri voice commands
• Add widgets powered by iPhone:
  • Widgets are designed to fit seamlessly into Aston Martin’s 10.25-inch screens
  • Provide at-a-glance information on either screen
• Experience a branded user interface:
  • Custom Aston Martin theme co-designed with Apple
  • The interface remains instantly recognisable as Aston Martin

From the perspective of someone who reviews cars for a living, it will be interesting to see how other brands integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra. Aston Martin’s UX engineers have done a great job keeping key buttons, switches, and dials as physical controls in their new cars, but other brands have forced everything through the touchscreen. The capability of CarPlay Ultra could be hindered in these vehicles, as key controls might be hard to access.

You don’t need the latest and greatest iPhone to run Apple CarPlay Ultra. It’s available on CarPlay Ultra on an iPhone 12 or newer, just make sure you have your phone updated and it’s running iOS 18.54 software or later.

These are the Aston Martins compatible with Apple CarPlay Ultra:

• DB12 Coupe, DB12 Volante
• New Vantage Coupe, Vantage Roadster
• Vanquish Coupe, Vanquish Volante
• DBX707 (from 25MY)
• DBX S

While Apple CarPlay Ultra is currently available on these new Aston Martin vehicles in the USA and Canada, it will arrive in global markets in the next 12 months. Brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will also get the technology shortly, as Apple has confirmed they’re working on integration in their vehicles.

“iPhone users love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent.”

“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra,” said Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark. “Our focus on world leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance and craftsmanship.”