Aston Martin Teams Up with Apple for CarPlay Ultra’s First Release

Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, the next-gen evolution of its in-car experience, bringing deeper integration and a slicker interface to select vehicles.

Rolling out first on Aston Martin’s latest models, CarPlay Ultra takes over not just the infotainment screen but the entire cockpit, including the instrument cluster. That means speedometers, fuel gauges, and even climate controls are now seamlessly woven into Apple’s ecosystem. Drivers can tweak suspension settings, adjust driving modes, and manage radio functions—all through CarPlay Ultra’s refined UI.

The update also introduces customisable widgets, allowing users to display trip info, weather updates, and more across their vehicle’s screens. Apple has worked closely with automakers to ensure each brand’s distinct design philosophy is reflected, making CarPlay Ultra feel like a natural extension of the car rather than just an add-on.

For now, CarPlay Ultra is exclusive to Aston Martin, but Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are already on board, with more brands expected to follow. The system requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5, meaning older devices won’t be compatible.

With Apple doubling down on in-car tech, CarPlay Ultra is set to redefine how drivers interact with their vehicles. Expect more brands to jump on board soon—this is just the beginning.