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Apple CarPlay 2 Finally Lands As ‘CarPlay Ultra’—but Aston Martin Gets It First

8:37 PM   |   15 May 2025

Apple CarPlay 2 Finally Lands As ‘CarPlay Ultra’—but Aston Martin Gets It First

Apple CarPlay Ultra Debuts in Aston Martin, Ushering in a New Era of In-Car Experience

After a prolonged anticipation, marked by initial announcements three years ago and subsequent delays, Apple's next-generation in-car technology has finally arrived. Dubbed 'CarPlay Ultra,' this innovative system is poised to redefine the driving experience, with Aston Martin taking the lead as the first manufacturer to integrate it into their vehicles.

Aston Martin Pioneers CarPlay Ultra Integration

Aston Martin has officially announced that all new vehicles ordered in the US and Canada will come standard with CarPlay Ultra. This marks a significant milestone for Apple's in-car ambitions, bringing its ecosystem beyond the central infotainment screen and into the driver's instrument cluster.

Existing Aston Martin owners are not left out. Dealerships will offer the CarPlay Ultra update starting in June. However, to be eligible, vehicles must run Aston Martin's latest infotainment system (launched in 2023) and be paired with an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.54 or later.

Supported models include the Aston Martin DBX SUV, Vanquish, Vantage, and DB12. Initially, the update is exclusive to US and Canadian owners, with a broader global rollout planned over the next year.

CarPlay Ultra: A Comprehensive In-Car Ecosystem

CarPlay Ultra represents a significant leap forward from the standard CarPlay experience. As teased at WWDC 2022, it extends Apple's ecosystem from the central infotainment screen to the instrument cluster, creating a unified and immersive in-car environment.

This integration allows for a more consistent look and feel, merging Apple's interface with the automaker's design language. Drivers can access essential car functions, such as the speedometer and tachometer, alongside Apple Music playlists or Google Maps directions, all within a single, integrated display.

Key features of CarPlay Ultra include:

  • Extended Display: Seamless integration across multiple screens, including the instrument cluster and central display.
  • Customization: Users can customize the instrument cluster theme and color scheme to their preferences.
  • Integrated Controls: Access to tire pressure monitors, air-con controls, and other car functions within the CarPlay interface.
  • Siri Integration: Continued support for Siri voice commands, with potential enhancements through Apple's evolving AI technology.

Customization and Control

CarPlay Ultra emphasizes customization, allowing both car brands and drivers to tailor the multiscreen setup to their specific needs. This includes customizing the instrument cluster theme and color scheme, ensuring a personalized driving experience.

While CarPlay Ultra offers a digital interface, physical buttons remain available for essential functions, provided the car is equipped with them. Siri continues to provide voice control, although the integration of next-generation Siri and Apple Intelligence remains somewhat unclear.

Currently, Siri in CarPlay Ultra mirrors the iPhone experience. Users with ChatGPT-powered Apple Intelligence can choose to direct queries to OpenAI's model or rely on on-device Siri.

Google's Gemini Enters the Fray

In a move that coincides with the CarPlay Ultra announcement, Google has unveiled Gemini for cars. Gemini promises to enhance the driving experience with AI-driven features, including:

  • Text Message Assistance: Crafting text messages on the go.
  • Restaurant Recommendations: Finding nearby restaurants.
  • Brainstorming: Assisting with ideas during commutes.

Gemini is expected to roll out to Android Auto cars in the coming months, potentially reaching a broader audience before CarPlay Ultra.

Manufacturer Adoption and Future Prospects

While Aston Martin is the first to embrace CarPlay Ultra, other manufacturers are expected to follow suit. Porsche has been confirmed as an early adopter, with Audi, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis also reportedly on board.

However, not all manufacturers are convinced. Mercedes-Benz has expressed reservations about relinquishing control of its cockpit head unit to a third party.

As CarPlay enthusiasts await further announcements and the opportunity to experience CarPlay Ultra firsthand, it remains to be seen whether Mercedes-Benz will reconsider its position and join the growing list of adopters.

The Road Ahead for CarPlay Ultra

CarPlay Ultra represents a significant step forward in the evolution of in-car technology. By seamlessly integrating Apple's ecosystem with vehicle functions, it promises a more intuitive, customizable, and immersive driving experience.

With Aston Martin leading the charge, and other manufacturers poised to follow, CarPlay Ultra is set to transform the way we interact with our cars. However, the emergence of Google's Gemini for cars adds a new dimension to the competition, promising AI-driven features that could further enhance the driving experience.

As the battle for in-car dominance intensifies, consumers stand to benefit from a wave of innovation and enhanced features. The future of driving is here, and it's more connected, customizable, and intelligent than ever before.