Carmakers are abandoning Apple CarPlay Ultra

Apple is facing resistance from automakers over CarPlay Ultra, a new version of its in-car interface that is set to completely replace in-car display controls. Several major brands have dropped plans to support the technology, the Financial Times reports.

In particular, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault have already officially abandoned CarPlay Ultra integration. Previously, these companies were included in the list of 14 brands that Apple announced as its partners back in 2022. Instead, they now declare their unwillingness to transfer control over the user experience and revenues from their own digital services to Apple.

CarPlay Ultra differs from the classic version in that it can display information about speed, fuel level, temperature, etc. - that is, it completely replaces the proprietary solutions of the automakers themselves. One of the Renault executives noted that the company directly told Apple: "Don't try to hijack our systems."

Only Hyundai, Kia, Genesis and Porsche remain on the list of potential partners. As for Aston Martin, it is the only brand that has already implemented CarPlay Ultra in production cars.

Instead, BMW, which was not on the original list, said it would only use the standard version of CarPlay in its new models. Jaguar Land Rover said it was still considering support, while Ford, Nissan, and Infiniti have not yet updated on their plans.

Apple noted that it continues to work closely with automakers and assured that more brands will join CarPlay Ultra in the future.