CarPlay Ultra: Apple's Next-Gen In-Car Experience Arrives

Apple has finally pulled back the curtain on CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next generation of its in-car infotainment system, officially rolling out today, May 15, 2025. Initially teased at WWDC 2022 as "next-generation CarPlay," this revamped platform, now branded as CarPlay Ultra, promises a deeper, more immersive integration of iPhone functionality into vehicles. Starting with Aston Martin models in the U.S. and Canada, CarPlay Ultra marks a significant evolution from the original CarPlay, but what does it mean for the millions of drivers already using the standard version? Let’s dive into the journey from the 2022 announcement to today’s launch and explore the implications for the future of CarPlay.

The Road to CarPlay Ultra

When Apple first showcased next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, it was a bold vision: a system that would extend beyond the central infotainment screen to take over every display in the vehicle, including the instrument cluster. The renders displayed sleek, Apple-designed speedometers, tachometers, and fuel gauges, all tailored to reflect the automaker’s brand identity. The promise was a seamless blend of iPhone apps and vehicle data, with features like climate control, radio, and even performance settings accessible via CarPlay’s interface or Siri. Apple pegged 2024 as the launch year, with Aston Martin and Porsche named as early partners.

However, the road to release wasn’t smooth. By early 2025, Apple quietly removed the 2024 timeframe from its website, acknowledging delays without specifying a new target. Speculation swirled—were automakers hesitant to cede control of their dashboards? Were technical challenges slowing progress? Some, like General Motors, outright rejected CarPlay in favor of proprietary systems, while others, like Mercedes-Benz, reportedly backed away from initial commitments. Despite the setbacks, Apple continued to refine the system, with references to “CarPlayHybridInstrument” appearing in iOS 18.3 beta code, hinting at ongoing development.

Fast forward to today, and CarPlay Ultra has arrived, debuting on Aston Martin’s DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish models. Existing Aston Martin vehicles with the brand’s latest 10.25-inch infotainment system will also receive the update in the coming weeks via a dealer-performed software patch. Apple has confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are next in line, though no specific timelines were provided. The launch, while limited in scope, signals that Apple’s ambitious vision is finally taking shape.

What Makes CarPlay Ultra Different?

CarPlay Ultra builds on the foundation of standard CarPlay, which has been a staple in over 98% of new cars sold in the U.S., according to Apple. While the original CarPlay mirrors iPhone apps like Maps, Music, and Messages onto the car’s central screen, CarPlay Ultra goes much further, delivering a holistic, customizable in-car experience. Here are the key advancements:

• Full Dashboard Integration: CarPlay Ultra extends to all driver-facing screens, including the instrument cluster. It replaces traditional gauges with dynamic, Apple-designed displays for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature, all while maintaining the automaker’s aesthetic. For example, Aston Martin’s implementation blends British luxury with Apple’s clean UI.
• Deeper Vehicle Control: Beyond media and navigation, CarPlay Ultra lets drivers manage climate settings, radio (FM and SiriusXM), and vehicle-specific features like performance driving modes. These can be controlled via on-screen interfaces, physical buttons, or Siri, ensuring a fluid experience.
• Customizable Widgets: Drivers can project iPhone widgets—think Calendar, Weather, or HomeKit status—onto the dashboard, alongside vehicle data like tire pressure or driver assistance alerts. This glanceable information keeps distractions to a minimum.
• Privacy and Compatibility: Like standard CarPlay, Ultra adheres to Apple’s rigorous privacy standards, ensuring vehicle data isn’t stored or tracked by the iPhone. It requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, summed it up: “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.”

What Happens to Standard CarPlay?

For the millions of drivers using standard CarPlay, the arrival of Ultra raises a natural question: will the original platform be left behind? Apple’s press release offers reassurance, stating that “CarPlay Ultra joins CarPlay, which is beloved by drivers around the world.” Behind the scenes, Apple has confirmed to reporters that it will continue supporting the regular version alongside Ultra, a commitment now made public.

This dual-track approach makes sense. Standard CarPlay remains a lightweight, widely adopted solution that works across 800+ vehicle models, requiring minimal integration from automakers. CarPlay Ultra, by contrast, demands significant collaboration, as it interfaces with proprietary vehicle systems and requires custom UI designs. For now, Ultra is exclusive to high-end brands like Aston Martin, limiting its immediate reach. Most drivers, especially those in mainstream vehicles, will continue relying on standard CarPlay, which still benefits from iOS updates like Spatial Audio support and new app categories.

However, the long-term outlook is less certain. As Ultra gains traction with more automakers, Apple may shift its focus to the more advanced system, potentially phasing out new features for standard CarPlay. For now, though, Apple’s commitment to both ensures that existing users won’t be left stranded.

The Bigger Picture: Challenges and Opportunities

CarPlay Ultra’s launch is a milestone, but its limited debut highlights ongoing challenges. The initial rollout with Aston Martin—a niche luxury brand—means most drivers won’t experience Ultra anytime soon. The lack of a concrete timeline for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, combined with radio silence from other promised partners like Porsche, suggests that scaling Ultra will be a slow process. Automakers’ reluctance to surrender control of their dashboards remains a hurdle, as seen with GM’s pivot to in-house software and BMW’s decision to skip Ultra entirely.

Yet, the potential is undeniable. Posts on X reflect excitement, with users praising Ultra’s full-screen Maps integration and tailored vehicle controls. One user noted, “The full maps screen right in front of you is awesome,” highlighting the immersive appeal. If Apple can expand Ultra to mainstream brands and maintain its privacy-first approach, it could redefine the in-car experience, blending the familiarity of iOS with the unique character of each vehicle.

Final Thoughts

CarPlay Ultra’s arrival, though delayed, marks a bold step forward for Apple’s automotive ambitions. From its 2022 debut as next-generation CarPlay to its branded launch today, Ultra delivers on the promise of a deeply integrated, customizable dashboard experience—starting with Aston Martin and poised to grow. For standard CarPlay users, the good news is continuity; Apple’s commitment to both platforms ensures no one’s left behind. But as Ultra rolls out to more brands, it’s clear Apple is steering toward a future where your car feels like an extension of your iPhone. Buckle up—this is just the beginning.