Apple has announced that the next generation of CarPlay, now called CarPlay Ultra, is starting to appear in cars. The system will initially be available on new Aston Martin cars in the US and Canada, and will be available on existing models with the latest multimedia system within a few weeks via a software update.
CarPlay Ultra builds on the capabilities of CarPlay and delivers a better experience through deep integration with the vehicle. The updated system provides information for all driver screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster.
The new system will display data such as speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, temperature and more, providing a consistent design across all screens. Drivers will be able to choose what information to display – from their iPhone (such as maps or media) or from the car (such as driver assistance systems or tire pressure).
Drivers will be able to control car functions using the touchscreen, physical buttons or Siri – including changing the radio, adjusting climate control, audio or performance settings directly through CarPlay Ultra. The new system also offers iPhone-like widgets that can be placed on the screens or dashboard for quick access to important information – such as the calendar, weather and more.
Each brand that will use CarPlay Ultra will also have the opportunity to develop its own unique look and experience for the system. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are among the next companies to introduce CarPlay Ultra. Aston Martin has already released a separate blog on its website and a video to demonstrate the use of the new system. By the way, CarPlay Ultra is compatible with iPhone 12 and later models running iOS 18.5.