Apple CarPlay Ultra: What It Is and Which Cars Support It Now

Wondering what Apple CarPlay Ultra is and which vehicles support it? Apple’s latest CarPlay upgrade—CarPlay Ultra—brings a major evolution to in-car infotainment, offering seamless integration between your iPhone and your vehicle’s dashboard. For drivers curious about advanced navigation, real-time data, and smarter car controls, CarPlay Ultra is designed to transform your driving experience by displaying information directly on your car’s instrument cluster and central screens. Currently, CarPlay Ultra is available with new Aston Martin orders in the US and Canada, and soon it will be coming to Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models, expanding the ecosystem of cars equipped with Apple’s smartest in-car system yet.

What Makes Apple CarPlay Ultra Different?

Apple CarPlay Ultra enhances your driving interface beyond what traditional CarPlay offered. Instead of just mirroring apps on a single screen, CarPlay Ultra extends across multiple displays in the car — including instrument clusters, center consoles, and heads-up displays. This means you can view essential driving data such as speedometer readings, fuel levels, and temperature gauges directly alongside apps like Maps, music controls, and even tire pressure information. The system supports dynamic customization with real-time updates and elegant widget layouts, all powered by your iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later.

Which Automakers Are Bringing CarPlay Ultra to Their Vehicles?

While Apple first announced CarPlay Ultra back in 2022 with a planned 2024 launch, it only recently began rolling out. Aston Martin is leading the way, offering CarPlay Ultra as a factory-installed feature for new cars in the US and Canada. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are also preparing to integrate CarPlay Ultra in upcoming models, signaling wider availability soon. However, some automakers like Porsche have confirmed future support but haven't provided specific timelines yet. This growing adoption highlights Apple’s ambition to create a fully integrated, smart driving environment across a range of premium and mainstream vehicles.

Enhanced Controls and Siri Integration for Safer Driving

CarPlay Ultra lets drivers manage car functions effortlessly, using touchscreens, physical buttons, or voice commands through Siri. Whether adjusting the climate control, switching radio stations, or checking navigation, you can stay focused on the road while enjoying smooth interaction. The smart widgets provide at-a-glance updates tailored to your car’s display, meaning less distraction and more convenience. This integration of infotainment with essential vehicle controls raises safety and usability, making CarPlay Ultra a must-have upgrade for iPhone users who value a connected and modern driving experience.

Why Upgrade to CarPlay Ultra?

For tech-savvy drivers and Apple enthusiasts, CarPlay Ultra represents a significant leap forward in automotive technology. Its compatibility with iPhone 12 and newer models ensures most recent Apple users can benefit, provided they also have a compatible car. The system supports advanced driver assistance data, real-time media updates, and full customization of the driving interface. With automakers steadily rolling out CarPlay Ultra, upgrading your car’s infotainment system will soon become easier and more appealing, enhancing both your vehicle’s value and your daily drive.

Stay tuned as Apple continues expanding CarPlay Ultra to more vehicles, making connected driving smarter, safer, and more enjoyable than ever before.