Apple’s in-car software is getting a major overhaul, and the automotive industry is watching closely. After years of anticipation since the initial announcement at WWDC 2022, CarPlay Ultra is now rolling out to select vehicles, starting with Aston Martin models in the U.S. and Canada. The next generation of CarPlay goes far beyond simple phone mirroring, integrating deeply with vehicle systems to control everything from climate settings to instrument cluster displays.
The launch marks a turning point for how drivers interact with their cars. Unlike the current CarPlay that occupies a single screen, CarPlay Ultra spreads across multiple displays and works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. It brings widgets, customizable themes, and the ability to control vehicle-specific features directly through the interface.
The rollout hasn’t been without delays, but automakers are gradually committing to the platform. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have joined the growing list of brands planning to offer CarPlay Ultra, though adoption remains selective across the industry. The question now is whether this deeper integration will become the standard or remain a premium feature for certain manufacturers.
Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Ultra: Features and Platform Evolution
CarPlay Ultra represents a major leap forward from traditional CarPlay, bringing full vehicle system integration, complete digital dashboard control, and extensive personalization options that transform the entire in-car experience.
Deeper Integration With Car Systems
CarPlay Ultra goes far beyond the infotainment system that standard CarPlay occupies. The platform now integrates with core vehicle functions, allowing drivers to control climate settings, adjust audio systems, and monitor advanced driver-assist features directly through the Apple interface.
This next-generation infotainment system connects to multiple vehicle displays simultaneously. Drivers can access real-time data like tire pressure, fuel levels, and engine diagnostics without leaving the CarPlay Ultra environment.
The integration requires deeper collaboration between Apple and automakers. Aston Martin became the first manufacturer to offer CarPlay Ultra as standard on all new vehicles, with the system rolling out through software updates to existing models equipped with the brand’s next-generation infotainment system.
Digital Dashboard and Instrument Cluster Upgrades
The instrument cluster receives a complete makeover under CarPlay Ultra. Apple’s platform takes over the entire digital dashboard, replacing traditional gauges with customizable displays powered by the connected iPhone.
Drivers can configure their speedometer and tachometer layouts to match their preferences. The system displays critical driving information across multiple screens, creating a cohesive visual experience throughout the vehicle’s interior.
CarPlay Ultra extends to the instrument cluster and allows full-screen customization with widget support. This means navigation directions, Apple Music controls, and other app information can appear directly in the driver’s line of sight.
First announced at WWDC 2022, the digital dashboard functionality represents one of the most significant changes in the platform’s evolution.
Customization, UI, and Custom Themes
CarPlay Ultra introduces extensive personalization options that weren’t possible with earlier versions. Drivers can select from multiple custom themes that change the appearance of every screen in the vehicle, from the center infotainment display to the instrument cluster.
The UI adapts to different wallpaper choices and color schemes. Widget support allows users to arrange information cards according to their priorities, whether that’s music playback, navigation, or vehicle diagnostics.
The customization extends to layout options for the speedometer, tachometer, and other gauges. Each theme maintains Apple’s design language while offering distinct visual styles that range from minimal to information-dense displays.
Industry Response and Automaker Rollout
CarPlay Ultra has begun rolling out with Aston Martin as the launch partner, while other manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have committed to bringing the system to their vehicles. The response from the automotive industry has been mixed, with some brands embracing the technology and others expressing concerns about control.
Aston Martin Partnership and First Launch
Aston Martin became the first automaker to offer CarPlay Ultra when Apple started rolling out the next-generation system in May 2025. The luxury brand made CarPlay Ultra available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, with existing models featuring the brand’s next-generation infotainment system receiving the capability through a software update at local dealers in the following weeks.
Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin’s CEO, emphasized that the integration demonstrated the company’s dedication to collaborate with leading technology companies. He noted that building on their in-house infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra would provide additional functionality and personalization opportunities. For more details on availability across Aston Martin’s vehicle lineup, the automaker directed customers to media.astonmartin.com.
Expansion to Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
Apple announced that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have joined as newly committed brands working to bring CarPlay Ultra to drivers. These three related manufacturers represent a significant expansion beyond the initial Aston Martin launch. The Korean automakers‘ commitment signals broader adoption of the platform, though specific timeline details and vehicle models haven’t been disclosed yet.
The expansion comes nearly 10 months after the initial Aston Martin rollout, with CarPlay Ultra still limited to Aston Martin vehicles as of March 2026. Apple indicated that many other automakers around the world are working to implement the system, though not all manufacturers have embraced the technology with equal enthusiasm.
Unique Experiences for Different Brands
CarPlay Ultra allows automakers to express their distinct design philosophy through custom themes crafted in collaboration between Apple and each manufacturer’s design team. This approach creates experiences that feel tailor-made for each vehicle while maintaining the core CarPlay Ultra functionality. Drivers can personalize colors and wallpapers within these themes to match individual preferences.
The system reflects each automaker’s look and feel while providing a consistent experience across all screens. This balance between brand identity and Apple’s interface has become a key talking point, as several automakers have backed out of participating in the rollout due to concerns about Apple’s control over vehicle systems and potential homogenization of in-car experiences.
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