Apple on Thursday launched the next generation of CarPlay, its user-friendly telematics suite in the car that lets you access content on your smartphone while driving. It builds on existing functionality to provide deeper integration with the vehicle. Apple says the new CarPlay Ultra delivers information to all driver screens, including live content and gauges in the dashboard and widgets powered by iPhone. The company is working with global automakers such as Hyundai, Kia and Genesis to bring this experience into cars as soon as possible.
Apple CarPlay Ultra availability
Apple said CarPlay Ultra is now available on British car company Aston Martin’s core model range, such as the Aston Martin DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish, and is already taking orders for new cars in the United States and Canada. The program will also be expanded to include vehicles globally over the next 12 months. Existing cars will get the infotainment package as a software update available at local dealers.
One of the dashboard options in Apple CarPlay Ultra
Photo credit: Apple
According to the company, CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or newer models running iOS 18.5 or later firmware.
Apple CarPlay Ultra features
Apple says CarPlay Ultra is the “ultimate in-car experience” that more deeply integrates iPhone with the vehicle to maximize its capabilities. It can display content on the driver’s screen, including the instrument cluster, which now has multiple options for customizing elements such as the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge. Drivers can choose to display information such as maps and media, as well as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on the dashboard itself.
Apple CarPlay Ultra offers a variety of options to control not only the radio, climate control, and other basic functions, but also vehicle-specific functions, audio system configurations, and performance settings through on-screen controls, physical buttons, and even Siri. There are even iPhone-powered widgets that can be placed on the screen or dashboard for quick access to information.
It also provides integrated control for various vehicle functions
Photo credit: Apple
The new CarPlay Ultra is a customizable personalization platform that enables automakers to reflect their unique design language based on customer expectations. Their design team can work closely with Apple to create custom themes tailored to each vehicle. At the same time, drivers can personalize the theme’s colors and wallpapers according to their preferences.
Notably, Apple CarPlay comes into play when you connect your iPhone to a compatible in-car entertainment (ICE) system, showing you the phone apps you typically need while driving. This includes a music streaming platform, navigation apps, and a phone dialer, arranged in an easy-to-use layout complete with home screen and app drawer. With these, you can continue to access the various functions of your smartphone as usual without being distracted on the road.
