CarPlay Ultra: How Apple Will Take Over Your Car’s Dashboard

I’ve always been fascinated by the way technology integrates into our lives, and the car is one of the spaces where this fusion becomes most exciting. Apple has just taken a giant step in this direction with the official launch of CarPlay Ultra.

It’s not just another update; for me, it’s Apple’s biggest push yet into the automotive experience. And what’s most intriguing? It debuts with a brand that stands for luxury and performance: Aston Martin.

What Exactly is CarPlay Ultra?

Imagine your iPhone’s integration with your car taken to a level that redefines the dashboard. CarPlay Ultra goes far beyond the central infotainment screen we already know. It expands to all the displays inside the vehicle, including the vital fully digital instrument cluster.

This means information like speed, RPM, fuel level, and other crucial car data can now be shown within a unified Apple interface. It’s a complete immersion in Apple’s ecosystem while you’re behind the wheel—something that transforms the cabin.

With CarPlay Ultra, you not only see Apple Maps navigation directly on the instrument panel but also control media playback and even adjust important vehicle settings like climate control, driver assistance systems, and performance modes. All of this can be done through on-screen menus, voice commands via Siri, or even using iPhone widgets projected onto the car’s displays for quick access to appointments or weather info. It’s the convenience of your smartphone, deeply and securely integrated with the driving experience.

Why Is Aston Martin Leading This Debut?

The choice of Aston Martin to be the first to offer CarPlay Ultra is no accident. Luxury brands seek exclusivity and the ability to deliver a unique experience to their customers. Apple seems to have understood this perfectly with this new technology.

What caught my attention the most is the depth of customization CarPlay Ultra allows for each automaker. In Aston Martin’s case, the interface was designed to complement the luxury and refined aesthetics of their cars, blending Apple’s software with the British brand’s visual identity. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

The system is already available for order on the Aston Martin DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish models in the United States and Canada, with a global rollout planned over the next 12 months. And for those who already own one of these compatible models, the good news is that a free software update will soon be available at dealerships, bringing this cutting-edge technology to cars already on the road. If you appreciate luxury and performance, the 2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, for example, combines these elements with advanced technology.

Who’s Next? Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis in Line.

While Aston Martin enjoys this initial exclusivity, Apple has confirmed that other automakers are already actively working to implement CarPlay Ultra in future vehicles. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are among the confirmed next in line.

This news is important because it signals the expansion of the technology into more affordable market segments, which is great for most drivers. However, there is still no official timeline announced, leaving many wondering when they might experience this more complete integration in common models.

Interestingly, Porsche appeared in early CarPlay Ultra presentations but was not mentioned in Apple’s latest press release. This shows that the adoption landscape is still evolving and might hold surprises. For those seeking technology and performance in SUVs, it’s worth checking out the Hyundai Elexio, which promises impressive range.

And BMW, Where Do They Stand? Analyzing the Brand’s Position.

BMW’s situation is particularly interesting. In 2022, the Bavarian brand said it had no plans to implement the next generation of CarPlay, which at the time referred to what we now know as Ultra. With the official launch, BMW was not listed as an initial partner.

However, BMW is developing its own advanced system, iDrive X, which will debut later this year on models like the iX3 and the New Class lineup. This new system will include the Panoramic Vision Display, a high-tech projection system extending across the base of the windshield. Rumors suggest that this display and BMW’s head-up display might only work with native BMW content, limiting integration with third-party systems like CarPlay and Android Auto. This is a key point for those eyeing models such as the 2026 BMW iX.

Given BMW’s history as one of the first to adopt original CarPlay, many industry experts still expect the brand to eventually offer CarPlay Ultra, perhaps with some adaptations to accommodate its own technologies like iDrive X and Panoramic Vision. The deep screen integration seen on the 2026 Genesis GV70 shows the direction the market is heading, which could influence BMW’s decision. Even Kia, with models like the 2026 Sportage, is on the waiting list for this new Apple technology.

What Can You Do with CarPlay Ultra?

• View navigation on the instrument cluster and other screens.
• Control music and podcast playback.
• Manage vehicle settings (climate, drive modes).
• Access iPhone widgets (calendar, weather).
• Use voice commands with Siri for various functions.
• See car information on customizable displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does CarPlay Ultra work in any CarPlay-enabled car? No, it requires specific hardware and automaker support to integrate across all displays.
2. Which Aston Martin models come with CarPlay Ultra? The DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, initially in the US and Canada, with global expansion in 12 months.
3. Which automakers will be next to receive CarPlay Ultra? Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have confirmed they are working on implementation.

CarPlay Ultra vs. Current Integrated Systems

• Total Integration: Goes beyond the central screen, spanning multiple displays including the instrument cluster.
• Vehicle Control: Allows adjusting native car settings (climate, drive modes) directly through the Apple interface.
• Deep Customization: Adapts the interface to match the visual identity of each automaker.

For me, CarPlay Ultra represents a significant evolutionary leap. It’s Apple reinforcing its presence in the car—not just as a smartphone mirror but as an integrated automotive operating system. The partnership with Aston Martin at launch underscores the ambition to position the technology as premium, but the future expansion to brands like Hyundai and Kia shows the goal is to reach a much broader audience. The situation with BMW is a reminder that luxury automakers still want to maintain their identity, but the pressure for cutting-edge integration is undeniable. It will be fascinating to see how this technology develops and transforms the driving experience in the years ahead.

And you, what do you think about CarPlay Ultra and this deeper integration? Leave your comment below!