Aston Martin has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, a comprehensive version of Apple CarPlay that extends the Apple experience to every screen in the vehicle, including the instrument cluster. This new feature will be available in all new Aston Martin models such as the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish as standard equipment. Existing cars with Aston’s latest-generation infotainment system will also receive the CarPlay Ultra update in the coming weeks through the company’s dealer network.
The collaboration between Aston Martin and Apple resulted in a system that is consistent with Aston Martin’s unique design philosophy and instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin product. The new system offers various design options for the speedometer and tachometer, integrating full-screen maps and media in the instrument cluster for an immersive experience within Apple’s ecosystem. Drivers can choose from different cluster themes, colors, and wallpapers to customize the screen according to their preferences.
CarPlay Ultra allows owners to place Apple widgets on either screen and access vehicle functions like the radio and climate control. Despite the digital enhancements, there are redundant physical controls and override switches for essential operations such as heating and cooling, gear selection, exhaust, and chassis adjustments. Users can control the vehicle using the touchscreen, physical controls, or Siri voice commands.
Apple initially announced CarPlay Ultra in 2022, with a promised launch in 2024. After missing the deadline, Apple remained silent about the progress until now. The long-awaited CarPlay Ultra is finally here, offering a seamless and integrated Apple experience in Aston Martin vehicles.
Aston Martin is launching CarPlay Ultra in the United States and Canada initially, with plans to roll out the feature to all global markets within the year. To use CarPlay Ultra, owners will need an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.54 or later. The success and reception of CarPlay Ultra may influence other automakers’ decisions regarding in-car technology and user experience.
Overall, CarPlay Ultra represents a significant step forward in the integration of technology and design in the automotive industry. With Aston Martin leading the way, it will be interesting to see how other automakers respond and adapt to the changing landscape of in-car connectivity and digital experiences.
