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News - General News - TechnologyAston Martin first with Apple CarPlay UltraCarPlay Ultra brings iPhone and onboard interfaces together, beginning with Aston Martin17 May 2025 By BRENDAN NISH APPLE and Aston Martin have paired to take the first steps in rolling out the tech giant’s automotive operating system – dubbed CarPlay Ultra – by expanding from the functions projected between an iPhone to the car’s infotainment system and into the vehicle’s primary instrumentation interface.
The new system enables drivers to customise the way their display feeds them information and how they interact with their car’s various functions, in a similar manner to vehicles with Google built-in (with Polestar and Volvo notable early adopters of this technology).
Climate control, navigation and drive modes – including the ability to adjust the car’s drivetrain and suspension settings in compatible vehicles – are integrated within Apple CarPlay Ultra.
The layout of the user interface on both screens is customisable, with up to five configurations available in the case of the Aston Martin system.
Each car manufacturer that has signed on to offer CarPlay Ultra has been working with Apple to develop its own bespoke design, with Genesis, Hyundai and Kia among the brands to join Aston Martin with future vehicles that integrate CarPlay Ultra.
While the capability of the computing that took place previously on a user’s iPhone remains – music, maps, messaging, phone calls and so-on – CarPlay Ultra will communicate with the car’s on-board functionality to offer “a seamless operating experience to the driver”.
Apple says its user interface works with a vehicle’s operating systems to bring its “intuitive and easy-to-use nature to vehicles across the board”.
“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles,” said Apple vice president of worldwide product marketing Bob Borchers.
“With CarPlay Ultra, together with auto-makers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent.
“This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each auto-maker.
“We are excited to kick off the rollout of CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin – and this is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way.”
Apple CarPlay Ultra is not without competition. Besides Polestar and Volvo, Ford, General Motors, Honda and Nissan have been working to integrate the Google built-in operating system within their vehicles for some time.
Like Apple CarPlay Ultra, the operating system offers smartphone users the ability to locate their vehicle, the closest charging or petrol station, raise the cabin temperature, navigate to home, and other connectivity functions.
The major difference between Apple CarPlay Ultra and Google built-in is that with the latter, the phone is optional. Being able to sign in to a Google account directly through the car’s interface means drivers are provided a less-phone-tethered experience, which may suit those who prefer an Apple iPhone but a Honda vehicle, for example.
Although both platforms will soon proliferate across brands, the Apple versus Android debate could soon extend to the choice of car, as well as the preference of phone.  Read more29th of February 2024  Apple abandons plans to build an EVExecutives including COO say Apple is cancelling its decade-long effort to build an electric car26th of January 2024  Apple further delays its EV launch: reportLaunch pushed back to 2028 as Apple reduces self-driving capabilities of its electric car |
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