Apple’s long awaited next-generation CarPlay experience is officially here, and it’s called CarPlay Ultra. First previewed during WWDC 2022, the new CarPlay system goes beyond traditional infotainment mirroring from your iPhone. It can now deliver a fully integrated multi-screen interface that spans across the instrument cluster, central infotainment display, and more.
According to Apple, CarPlay Ultra is available starting today for new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the United States and Canada. In addition, existing Aston Martin customers with vehicles equipped with the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will receive the new experience via an over-the-air software update in the coming weeks.
A demo video published by Aston Martin showcases CarPlay Ultra in action, delivering a cohesive Apple-style interface that blends navigation, driving data, media playback, and climate controls across the full dashboard.
The interface features fluid animations, customisable instrument clusters, and supports familiar iOS design elements, including widgets and Apple Maps.
Drivers will be able to personalise the look and layout of their cluster displays, with themes that cater to different driving styles. Major vehicle settings and functions such as climate and seat controls are accessible directly within CarPlay, and they are also displayed using Apple’s UI for sliders and toggles.
CarPlay Ultra is developed in close collaboration with automakers, allowing it to integrate deeply with real-time vehicle data. This includes tyre pressure, fuel or battery level, temperature and door status.
For now, Aston Martin has confirmed that CarPlay Ultra will be available on the following models:
- DB12
- DBX707
- Vantage
More vehicles with CarPlay Ultra support are expected to be revealed in later this year, as Apple expands its automotive partnerships.
For now, Aston Martin customers in North America are the first to experience this next-gen Apple dashboard and it will expand to cover global markets within the next 12 months.
Take note that Apple CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later, running iOS 18.54 and later.
