Apple’s CarPlay Ultra Arrives: Aston Martin First, Others Hesitate – What You Need to Know

Apple's CarPlay Ultra is officially here, promising a revolution in in-car infotainment. But before you rush out to experience it, there's a catch. While Aston Martin is the first automaker to embrace the new system, a significant number of other major brands are opting out, at least for now. What does this mean for the future of CarPlay and your next car purchase?

CarPlay Ultra: A Deep Dive

CarPlay Ultra isn't just an update; it's a complete overhaul, as it effectively replaces the native infotainment system. Launched earlier this month, Ultra integrates deeply with your car's functions, extending Apple's UX to the gauge cluster. Users can now access key information directly from their iPhone, control the radio, adjust climate settings, and manage other vehicle functions using Siri. It also introduces iPhone-level customization with widgets, wallpapers, and themes.

Aston Martin Leads the Way

For those eager to experience CarPlay Ultra, Aston Martin is the first and currently only option. New 2025 Aston Martin models ordered on or after May 15th in the U.S. and Canada will include CarPlay Ultra. Owners of older 2025 Astons and the 2024 DB12 can also upgrade at their dealer in the coming weeks. As Aston Martin’s CEO, Adrian Hallmark, stated, CarPlay Ultra allows for “...additional functionality and personalization opportunities leading infotainment in the sector.”

The 'No' List: Which Automakers are Skipping CarPlay Ultra?

While Apple has secured partnerships with Porsche, Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis, a notable list of automakers is currently skipping CarPlay Ultra:

• BMW
• Buick
• BYD
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler
• Dodge
• Fiat
• GMC
• Jeep
• Lexus
• Mazda
• Mercedes-Benz (previously committed but backed out)
• RAM
• Rivian
• Subaru
• Suzuki
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Volkswagen

While most of these brands support standard CarPlay, they appear hesitant to cede control over key vehicle functions to Apple. Apple's vision of controlling more of the vehicle's instruments seems to be a sticking point for these automakers.

What You Need to Use CarPlay Ultra

To use CarPlay Ultra, you'll need an iPhone 12 or newer device running iOS 18.5 or later. Compatibility is also vehicle-dependent, so ensure your car is equipped with the latest infotainment system and supports CarPlay Ultra. Prepare for a brief initial lag when connecting, as your iPhone needs to download a vehicle-specific package.

Mercedes-Benz's Hyperscreen and the future of Displays

As modern car dashboards now feature vast screens, CarPlay Ultra can potentially change the design of infotainment systems. Mercedes-Benz’ “Hyperscreen” is an example of a system which could benefit from CarPlay Ultra support. The screen offers 42.3 inches of touch-sensitive real estate for drivers and passengers to enjoy.

The Road Ahead

The future of CarPlay Ultra beyond Aston Martin remains uncertain. As more automakers evaluate the platform and Apple continues to refine its features, the landscape may shift. Will CarPlay Ultra sway your next car purchase? Is Apple over-stepping its boundaries? Let us know in the comments below!

• Apple
• Aston Martin
• CarPlay Ultra