Apple Says These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer All-New CarPlay Ultra

Apple today announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles.

CarPlay Ultra Climate Controls
CarPlay Ultra features deep integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in Radio and Climate apps, customizable widgets, and more. The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can also adjust the color scheme. To learn more, read our coverage of Apple's announcement.

Starting today, CarPlay Ultra is available in newly-ordered Aston Martin vehicle models in the U.S. and Canada, and it will be rolling out in select existing Aston Martin vehicle models through a software update in the coming weeks.

Fortunately, if you cannot afford a $250,000 luxury vehicle from Aston Martin, CarPlay Ultra will eventually be available in more affordable vehicles.

Apple said "many" other automakers around the world plan to offer CarPlay Ultra within the next year, including the following three Korean brands:

  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Genesis

Apple first previewed next-generation ‌CarPlay‌ at WWDC 2022, and at the time it shared a long list of automakers that were committed to offering the software system. The list is nearly three years old, however, so it might not be entirely accurate anymore.

The list was as follows:

  • Acura
  • Audi
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Infiniti
  • Jaguar
  • Land Rover
  • Lincoln
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Nissan
  • Polestar
  • Porsche
  • Renault
  • Volvo

Porsche previewed its next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster design in late 2023, but the automaker has not provided an update since then.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz leadership has since expressed a lack of willingness to let Apple essentially take over its entire software experience.

We will provide coverage of CarPlay Ultra vehicle announcements as they happen.

Related Roundup: CarPlay

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Top Rated Comments

Octavius8 Avatar
8 months ago
I prefer physical buttons for most car controls… less distractions, muscle memory works better…
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unggoy Murderer Avatar
8 months ago

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz leadership has since expressed a lack of willingness ('https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/29/24144356/mercedes-benz-ceo-apple-carplay-next-gen-decoder') to let Apple essentially take over its entire software experience.
Such a dumb user-hostile decision.

If there are any auto-makers reading this, take heed: I will not buy a car in the future unless it has CarPlay.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sammo123321 Avatar
8 months ago
CarPlay works really well already. I don't know what more I'd need from it? We're already seeing a move to tactile buttons again so the demo photo doesn't seem to help much.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
8 months ago

Fortunately, if you cannot afford a $250,000 luxury vehicle from Aston Martin, CarPlay Ultra will eventually be available in more affordable vehicles.
I'd be able to afford one if Apple partnered with Aston Martin and brought back Apple Pay Later ('https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/03/apple-introduces-apple-pay-later/'). Make monthly interest-free payments over, say, 25 years.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dwaltwhit Avatar
8 months ago

I prefer physical buttons for most car controls… less distractions, muscle memory works better…
It sounds like many car companies are starting to add back more buttons and knobs
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kinless Avatar
8 months ago
Just bought a 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV a month ago. Hyundai’s own system looks somewhat similar to what Apple is offering. Curious to know if they’ll update the software to run CarPlay Ultra. My trim has the twin 12” screens so it might be possible.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)