Apple introduced CarPlay Ultra last year as the next-generation evolution of its in-car software system, aiming to deliver a deeper and more integrated experience across a vehicle’s entire dashboard.
However, nearly a year after its debut, CarPlay Ultra is still only available in a very limited rollout, currently restricted to select new luxury vehicles from Aston Martin Lagonda. This makes it one of Apple’s most exclusive software launches to date.
Despite the slow start, expansion appears to be on the horizon. Apple has reportedly been working with additional automakers to bring CarPlay Ultra to more vehicles, suggesting that broader availability could arrive fairly soon. The system is expected to gradually move beyond ultra-luxury models into a wider range of premium and mainstream cars as manufacturers integrate support.
CarPlay Ultra represents a major upgrade over standard CarPlay, extending beyond infotainment screens to control key vehicle functions such as instrument clusters, climate settings, and driving information—creating a more unified Apple-style interface throughout the car.
While adoption has been slower than initially expected, Apple’s continued partnerships with automakers indicate that CarPlay Ultra is still on track to expand significantly over the coming product cycles.
In May 2025, Apple confirmed that CarPlay Ultra would expand beyond its initial launch partner, with several major automakers planning support, including Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation, and Genesis Motor.
CarPlay Ultra represents a significantly deeper integration of the iPhone into a vehicle’s systems compared to standard CarPlay. Instead of being limited to the infotainment screen, it extends across the entire driving interface, including the instrument cluster.
Key features include:
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Integration with the instrument cluster and vehicle controls
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Built-in controls for radio, climate, and other car systems
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Support for rear-view camera feeds
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Display of real-time vehicle data such as speed, fuel level, tire pressure, and engine temperature
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A customizable interface that can be tailored to each automaker’s design language
The system is designed so that the iPhone provides app-based data and services, while the vehicle supplies core driving information, creating a unified and interactive dashboard experience.
Earlier reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested that at least one new Hyundai or Kia model could adopt CarPlay Ultra in the second half of 2025, indicating that broader availability may finally begin rolling out beyond Aston Martin’s initial implementation.
Overall, while CarPlay Ultra’s launch has been limited so far, Apple’s partnerships with multiple major automakers suggest a wider rollout is expected soon.