Apple CarPlay Ultra brings the best of iPhone to your car; starting with Aston Martin

For years, Apple CarPlay has been the invisible co-pilot for iPhone users in their cars, answering texts, navigating traffic, and queueing up playlists with the tap of a finger or a word to Siri. But now, Apple is shifting gears. Enter CarPlay Ultra, which is a reimagined in-car experience which is launching with new Aston Martin vehicles.

Bridging the gap between your phone and car infotainment system

This version doesn’t just sit on your infotainment screen, it takes over every display in your car. Instrument clusters, climate controls, even performance settings, all now seamlessly stitched together with iPhone smarts. This would include speedometers that match your music tempo or tire pressure stats alongside your next turn. And yes, it all still works with Siri and physical buttons for those who prefer tactile control.

But Apple didn’t go it alone. CarPlay Ultra is a product of deep collaboration between Cupertino and carmakers. Aston Martin’s version reflects its luxury DNA, offering custom themes that echo the brand’s design language. Users can even personalise colors and wallpapers for a fully bespoke experience. According to Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark, this isn’t just tech for tech’s sake, it’s a new level of performance and personalisation.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, calls it “a smarter, safer way to use iPhone in the car.” And he’s not exaggerating from what we can see in the media release by Apple. Widgets powered by iPhone now appear right in your gauge cluster. Climate controls and audio tuning are slated to feel like natural extensions of iOS. And privacy features, which have been the centerpiece of every bit of Apple tech that hits the shelves, is still baked in, just like the original CarPlay.

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CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later on iOS 18.5+. It’s rolling out via software update to existing Aston Martins with next-gen infotainment soon, and global expansion is just down the road. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are already revving up to join the ride. The availability is currently limited to the U.S. and Canada although, we can expect a global rollout soon.