Apple Rolls Out CarPlay Ultra In US And Canada For Aston Martin, Details Here
CarPlay Ultra was originally announced by Apple in 2022.
Apple is finally rolling out the next-generation version of CarPlay, its infotainment software for cars. According to a press release by the tech giant, CarPlay Ultra will be available on all new Aston Martin vehicles from May 15 in the US and Canada.
The new offering will be rolled out for existing models of Aston Martin via a software update in the coming weeks, according to Apple.
The tech giant had originally teased the launch of CarPlay Ultra at its 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference. Back then, it had claimed that 14 top car brands were “excited to bring this new vision of CarPlay to customers.” Later, Mercedes-Benz, one of the automakers mentioned by the company, had said it would not use CarPlay Ultra, TechCrunch reported.
Features Of CarPlay Ultra
The upgraded infotainment software provides content for all screens, including the vehicle's instrument cluster. The software offers dynamic options for the tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge.
“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 automaker. 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’s Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Bob Borchers, said.
CarPlay Ultra introduces widgets in the car’s gauge cluster or screen. Powered by iPhone, these widgets provide information at a glance. Notably, the software works only in iPhone 12 or later models, with iOS 18.5 or higher versions.
The software also provides automakers with the opportunity to craft distinct themes. “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. Drivers can also personalize the colours and wallpapers of themes to match their individual tastes,” Apple stated.
Alongside the information from the car, drivers can choose to show information from their iPhone as well. They can use Siri, physical buttons, or onscreen controls to manage both standard and advanced functions of their vehicles via CarPlay.
The launch of CarPlay Ultra gives Apple a chance to level the playing field with Google. The tech giant has dominated the infotainment system market, with major automakers shipping cars embedded with Google’s Android Auto operating system. Last week, the company declared that it was bringing its generative AI Gemini to Android Auto as well.
Apple has said that Hyundai, Genesis and Kia have agreed to make CarPlay Ultra compatible with their vehicles.
