Apple on Thursday unveiled the next generation of CarPlay — its in-car user-friendly telematics suite for accessing content on your smartphone while you drive. It builds upon the existing capabilities to provide a deeper integration with the vehicle. Apple says the new CarPlay Ultra provides information for all driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster and widgets powered by iPhone. The company is working with global automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to bring this experience to cars soon.
Apple CarPlay Ultra Availability
Apple says CarPlay Ultra is now available on British automotive company Aston Martin’s core vehicle lineup such as Aston Martin DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish, and with new vehicle orders beginning in the US and Canada. It will also be expanded to include vehicles globally in the next 12 months. Existing cars will get the infotainment suite as a software update available at local dealers.
One of the instrument cluster options in Apple CarPlay Ultra
Photo Credit: Apple
CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or newer models running iOS 18.5 or later firmware, as per the company.
Apple CarPlay Ultra Features
According to Apple, CarPlay Ultra is the “ultimate in-car experience” which integrates the iPhone with the vehicle even deeper to maximise both of their features. It can display content on the driver’s screens including the instrument cluster, which now has varied options for customising elements like speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. Drivers can choose to display information such as maps and media, along with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the instrument cluster itself.
Apple CarPlay Ultra provides multiple options to control not only radio, climate control, and other basic functions, but also vehicle-specific features, audio system configurations, and performance settings by using on-screen controls, physical buttons, and even Siri. There are even widgets powered by iPhone that can be placed on either the screen or the gauge cluster for quick access to information.
It also provides integrated controls for various vehicle features
Photo Credit: Apple
The new CarPlay Ultra is a customisable and personalised platform which allows automakers to reflect their distinct design language in line with their customers’ expectations. Their design teams can work closely with Apple to create custom themes which are tailor-made for each vehicle. Meanwhile, drivers can personalise colours and wallpapers of themes as per their preference.
Notably, Apple CarPlay works when you connect your iPhone to a compatible in-car entertainment (ICE) system by showing you a select few apps from your phone that you’d typically need while driving. This includes music streaming platforms, navigation apps, as well as your phone dialler, arranged in an easy-to-use layout and complete with a home screen and app drawer. With these, you can continue to access your smartphone’s various functions as you normally would, without being distracted on the road.