Apple’s Carplay Ultra has finally arrived, but now it’s unique to Aston Martins

The Carplay interface for the next generation of Apple is finally here and is initially available for Aston Martin riders in the United States and Canada. In the coming weeks, existing Aston Martin vehicles equipped with the automaker’s latest infotainment system will be able to access the Carplay Ultra via software updates, and anyone who orders today’s Aston Martin will pre-install it. You also need to run iOS 18.5 or later iPhone 12 or newer models to take advantage of the new features.

The Carplay Ultra (before naming) was at WWDC about three years ago and previewed by Porsche and Aston Martin, showing how the new Carplay connects to each display in the vehicle instead of just a central infotainment screen. Deeper iPhone-your iPhoneization is at the heart of Carplay Ultra, effectively allowing you to swap factory-installed dashboard displays with obvious Apple UIs, with customizable widgets and real-time information from apps on your iPhone.

Apple says its own software integrates seamlessly with the car while “reflecting the look and feel of the automaker.” You can run Google Maps and Apple Music with vehicle-specific information such as driver assistance and tire pressure, all bundled with custom themes that Apple works with Aston Martin’s own design team. Like the iPhone, you can personalize your experience by choosing your own colors and wallpapers.

You can choose on-screen controls, physical buttons, or SIRI for basic tasks such as adjusting radio and temperature management, as well as more advanced features such as configuring audio systems or performance settings. Apple doesn’t specify how Carplay Ultra works with the latest version of Chatgpt at startup, but it means the same privacy measures you use on your iPhone apply to Carplay Ultra.

In addition to its initial launch in the U.S. and Canada, Apple said the Carplay Ultra will expand to global vehicles next year.