CarPlay Ultra going mainstream? $30,000 car tipped to support Apple’s upgraded car system next

If you’re rocking one of the best iPhones, chances are that Apple CarPlay is high up on your list of priorities when shopping around for a new set of wheels. And now, reports suggest that the turbo-charged version – Apple CarPlay Ultra – will be making its way to more vehicles.

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For context, Apple’s CarPlay Ultra has, so far, been a very expensive flex, launching on high-end Aston Martin models. Unlike regular CarPlay, it’s designed to take over every screen in the car (not just the central infotainment display), like the driver’s instrument cluster. 

That means speed, battery range, navigation, and even things like tyre pressure could all be rendered through Apple’s interface, rather than the carmaker’s. In practical terms, CarPlay Ultra brings a much more iPhone-like experience to your dashboard, with customisable layouts, Apple-style widgets, and a consistent UI across every display.

Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest that CarPlay Ultra is expected to arrive on at least one major Hyundai or Kia model in the second half of 2026, with rumours from Top Gear previously pointing to one car in particular – the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3.

Unlike Aston Martin’s ultra-premium machines, the Ioniq 3 is expected to start at around $33,800 / £25,000, making it one of Hyundai’s most affordable EVs. If it does get CarPlay Ultra, it could make it one of the first accessible cars to offer Apple’s full in-car experience.

There’s still plenty we don’t know, mind. Hyundai hasn’t officially confirmed CarPlay Ultra support for the Ioniq 3, and Apple itself remains vague about rollout timelines beyond its initial launch.

Having said that, CarPlay Ultra landing on more vehicles is hardly the craziest Apple rumour we’ve heard, so expect to hear more official news over the coming months.

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Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.