Apple's CarPlay Ultra Debuts in Aston Martin Vehicles

Apple’s CarPlay Ultra has officially hit the road—no longer stuck in the concept phase, but now live and driving in style. Apple confirmed during WWDC 2025 that the next evolution of its in-car infotainment system, dubbed CarPlay Ultra, is already available to drivers of Aston Martin vehicles across the U.S. and Canada. This next-gen system deeply integrates with the vehicle’s hardware, delivering real-time displays across all driver screens—including a customizable instrument cluster. With added support for advanced vehicle metrics like tyre pressure and driver assistance features, Apple’s CarPlay Ultra is raising the bar for in-cabin experiences.

What sets Apple’s CarPlay Ultra apart is its seamless blend of iPhone-based interfaces with in-vehicle functionality. From controlling climate systems and audio settings to accessing maps and media, drivers can now interact via touch, physical buttons, or voice commands through Siri. Visual enhancements include a “Liquid Glass” theme that introduces translucent menus and refined icons, all tailored to match light and dark modes. The updated CarPlay interface also minimizes distractions—like incoming calls appearing discreetly as banners—and introduces Live Activities and messaging features like emoji tapbacks, bringing your iPhone’s agility right to your dashboard. Read more about CarPlay Ultra’s launch here.

While currently exclusive to Aston Martin, several automakers—including Ford, Hyundai, Volvo, Kia, and Porsche—are slated to adopt Apple’s CarPlay Ultra soon. However, this premium roll-out raises questions about the future of access: will enhanced features come with a price tag? Industry trends from brands like Tesla and Mercedes-Benz suggest a shift toward subscription-based upgrades. Apple has previously resisted monetizing CarPlay separately, viewing it as a tool to enhance the iPhone ecosystem—but time will tell. For more coverage on the future of hi-fi tech in vehicles, explore our In-Car Audio news section.