Apple CarPlay Ultra is here – everything you need to know about Apple’s smarter in-car upgrade
Apple has finally released the new version of CarPlay, dubbed CarPlay Ultra. Here's everything you need to know about the updated in-car software
Apple CarPlay links your iPhone – even mid-range phone models– to your car’s infotainment display. It puts access to familiar apps and features right on your dashboard, partly replacing your car’s built-in system – which, let’s face it, probably isn’t as slick.
At Apple’s WWDC 2022 software showcase, the show was unexpectedly stolen with a major CarPlay refresh, but it didn’t actually arrive for three more years until 2025.
The new generation of CarPlay – now revealed to be CarPlay Ultra – takes over all of your in-car screens, not just the main infotainment panel. That means Apple-styled speedometers, dials, and widgets.
- Read our Apple CarPlay Ultra review
But its roll-out isn’t so simple. So what is happening with Apple CarPlay Ultra? Here are all the new features coming, along with availability information.
What actually is Apple CarPlay?
CarPlay launched in 2014 as a way to mirror a toned-down version of iOS to your car’s infotainment system. Once enabled on your iPhone, connecting the device to your car (either by cable or a mix of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as dictated by your car’s manufacturer) will see it take over the infotainment screen from the default interface.
The two biggest reasons to use CarPlay are clearer, more convenient navigation – especially if you have an older model car with out-of-date mapping information – and access to your Phone’s music library, either stored locally or streamed. It’s a safer (and legal) way to view information when behind the wheel, rather than on your smartphone.
CarPlay lets you access a small selection of apps, including Music, Messages, Phone, and Maps, to name just a few. As you’d expect, you can also take calls, reply to messages, and use Siri.
Since the software is essentially an app dialled up to eleven, you’ll need to trudge your way back through the car’s software for any vehicle settings or maintenance info. CarPlay is the most popular in-car software, beating Android Auto (the Android alternative) and standard manufacturer software. Apple claims 99% of cars in the US support CarPlay (not quite so many in the UK), and that 79% of Americans wouldn’t buy a car without it.
All the new CarPlay Ultra features
CarPlay Ultra is a complete redesign of CarPlay from the ground up. And I mean every bell and whistle. The biggest difference between CarPlay in its current version and the new one is how it takes over your entire car. Rather than working alongside the existing software in your car, the new and improved version of CarPlay replaces it entirely (the software, not your car).
In addition to the CarPlay apps, Apple’s software experience extends to all other displays in the car. This includes the dashboard, and any extended dashboards (such as the one in Mercedes cars). Apple didn’t mention if displays in the rear of the car would be supported – but these aren’t all that commonplace just yet.
Apple is revamping the dashboard with its custom-designed speedometers, dials, petrol gauges, and range indicators. CarPlay takes over everything, including all on-board sensors. You’ll also be able to put widgets on the dashboard, such as the weather, or opt for traditional driver stats.
On longer dashboards, Apple will let you add additional widgets, see more in-depth trip info, and control your music.
With all that extra screen real estate, you might as well take advantage of it all! All driving-specific data gets delivered by the car’s sensors, even as your iPhone runs the apps. Your phone does not store or track the vehicle-sourced information.
Most notably, since the revamped CarPlay replaces the entire car’s software, you can control the car through it. You’ll be able to adjust the climate, switch on the heated seats, play the FM radio, and more – just like you’d expect from the standard software in a car. The best part? It’s all still within CarPlay, so you don’t have to exit the interface, and Apple’s design carries forward. Apple wants to create a more familiar experience in the car with the new CarPlay, reminding you of your phone.
SharePlay is also on the way to CarPlay. Rather than sharing content via FaceTime, other iPhone users will be able to play music and other audio content directly through the car. Only the driver’s phone needs to be connected, with a prompt automatically appearing on passengers’ iPhones. This new functionality will work perfectly with Apple Music’s Collaborative Playlists introduced in iOS 17.
Who is using CarPlay Ultra so far?
Aston Martin is the first auto brand to ship the CarPlay Ultra, with Porsche due to come on next. CarPlay Ultra is rolling out first in new Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, with support for recent models to follow via software update. It’s an exclusive launch, and for most people, that means it might as well not exist – unless you’ve got a spare $180k / £150k kicking around.
The tech giant already explained which additional automakers are due to support CarPlay Ultra. The list includes Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Nissan, Volvo, Porsche, Polestar, with more to be added.
But Apple hasn’t given us any hints as to when the new in-car software will make its way to those other cars. Which is a shame, because Apple’s clearly put an awful lot of effort into this update.
Did somebody mention problems?
CarPlay’s delay isn’t the only roadbump. Remember how BMW won’t support the redesigned CarPlay? That’s because the automaker flat-out decided not to allow the software to take over the entire car’s system. Instead, the brand wants you to use its own iDrive 9 system. Fortunately, the current version of CarPlay will keep support going in the future.
That’s more than can be said for GM’s cars, as the brand kicked CarPlay support to the curb entirely. We wouldn’t be surprised if other automakers decide to kick up a fuss as well, favouring their own in-car software – however rubbish it may be.
CarPlay Ultra sets the stage for big software improvements in vehicles
When CarPlay Ultra finally starting to roll out, in-car software is about to look and feel very different. Car manufacturers have a reputation for less-than-great software (they are there to make the car, after all). So, CarPlay Ultra will improve that experience and plays nice with Apple’s ecosystem naturally. It’s a win for the car, and you.
With Apple taking the lead, car manufacturers will be able to take a step back from the software. Or at least continue at the current C-grade standard. Of course, cars will still need their own software for those with Android devices (we assume) or no smartphone at all. But it’s likely that automakers’ own software will get better, since they’ve now got Apple’s version to compete with.
Connor Jewiss
