Apple chose Aston Martin to launch the launch of Carplay Ultra, a more integrated version of its iPhone-compatible car operating system. The new Aston Martins will include the system, and existing cars will be available in weeks. The world’s largest tech company says it has partnered with other automakers, including Carplay Ultra versions of its systems and vehicle models, including Kia, Hyundai and Genesis.
Apple calls the Carplay Ultra an in-car experience. “It provides information to all the driver’s screens, including real-time content and instruments in the dashboard, while reflecting the look and feel of the automaker and providing a customizable experience for the driver,” Apple said in a blog post Thursday.
According to CNET automotive expert Antuan Goodwin, from Apple’s initial preview of the “Next Generation Carplay” in 2022 to today’s announcement that automakers are finally moving forward with Apple Infotainment Vision.
Goodwin said he talked with many automakers and while they were happy to choose to use Apple Carplay (or Android Auto) for navigation, media playback and communication, he hesitantly handed over their dashboard experience to a third party. Automakers and their designers tend to see dashboards and technology as one of the best ways to distinguish cars from competitors.
Apple shows several themes of the Aston Martin dashboard in its blog post that can show maps, music album covers or lane information, as well as speedometers and tachometers. The main infotainment screen shows familiar applications available on the current CarPlay system, as well as AC and seat temperature control. If the touch screen controls are not attractive, don’t worry – the driver can still use physical buttons or even Siri voice controls to achieve the same functionality.
Apple’s Carplay Ultra will give drivers more than before.
Goodwin pointed out that Aston Martin made sense for the first implementation of the Carplay Ultra. It’s a smaller automaker, not part of a large car company, so it has relied on the licensing technology of its cars’ infotainment – previously from Mercedes-Benz.
Apple is using Carplay Ultra to introduce widgets to its automatic system, which can provide gauges cluster information. There are more ways to change the appearance of the interface than before.
“Custom themes are created through Apple’s close collaboration with the automaker’s design team, bringing experience tailored to each car,” Apple said. “Drivers can also personalize the theme’s colors and wallpapers to match their personal taste.”
CarPlay Ultra is compatible with iPhone 12 and newer phones running iOS 18.5 or later.
