Apple Launches CarPlay Ultra With New Ways for Drivers to Customize

Apple has chosen Aston Martin for the launch of launch of CarPlay Ultra, a more integrated version of its iPhone-compatible automobile operating system. New Aston Martins will include the system and existing cars will get it in a few weeks. The world’s biggest tech company says it’s partnered with other automakers to include versions of CarPlay Ultra tuned to their systems and vehicle models, including Kia, Hyundai and Genesis.

Apple is calling CarPlay Ultra its next-generation in-car experience. “It provides information for all of the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience,” Apple said in a blog post Thursday.

It’s been a long road from Apple’s initial preview of “next-generation CarPlay” in 2022 to Thursday’s announcement of an automaker finally going forward with the Apple infotainment vision, according to CNET car expert Antuan Goodwin.

“I’ve spoken with many automakers that — while excited to give drivers the choice to use Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto) for navigation, media playback and communications — have been hesitant to give over their entire dashboard experience to a third-party partner,” Goodwin said. “Automakers and their designers tend to see the dashboard and technology as one of the best ways to differentiate their cars from their competitors.”   

In its blog post, Apple showed off multiple themes for Aston Martin instrument panels that can display maps, music album covers or lane information alongside the speedometer and tachometer. The main infotainment screen shows AC and seat temperature controls in addition to the familiar apps available on current CarPlay systems. If touchscreen controls don’t appeal, don’t worry — drivers can still use physical buttons or even Siri voice controls for the same functions.

Goodwin notes that Aston Martin makes sense for the first implementation of CarPlay Ultra. It’s a smaller automaker that’s not a part of a major car corporation, so it already depends on licensed technology for the infotainment in its cars — previously from Mercedes-Benz. 

Apple is using CarPlay Ultra to introduce widgets to its auto system that can provide gauge-cluster information. There are also more ways to change the look of the interface than before. 

“Custom themes are crafted in close collaboration between Apple and the automaker’s design team, resulting in experiences that feel tailor-made for each vehicle,” Apple said. “Drivers can also personalize the colors and wallpapers of themes to match their individual tastes.”

CarPlay Ultra is compatible with the iPhone 12 and newer phones running iOS 18.5 or later.

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