Aston Martin has become the first carmaker in the world to launch Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, the latest in the tech giant’s in-car technology. Apple CarPlay was first introduced over a decade ago in 2014, but it was at the 2024 WWDC in June last year that we first got a glimpse of the next-gen CarPlay.
From the outset, it promised deeper integration, richer visuals, and even more personalisation, which is something that we can see here. With Aston Martin as its debut partner, drivers can experience a system that stretches across both the central touch screen and the 10.25-inch instrument cluster. The system gives you the freedom to choose from a whole array of speedometers/tachometers, display maps, or have a multi-screen layout. Further customization is possible from a number of themes, colors, and wallpapers to truly make it your own.
CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just mirror your iPhone, but becomes the interface. Beyond the usual Maps, Music, and Messages, you can also now control climate and radio via the touchscreen and Siri. Having said that, physical controls have been retained if that’s what you prefer. Key mechanical functions like drive selection, gear selection continue to be carried out via buttons and switches.
While CarPlay’s interface is renowned for its fluidity is second to none in the industry, Aston Martin worked closely with Apple to retain the British marque’s core visual identity. This means drivers get Apple’s polished software with Aston’s design DNA.
While digital displays offer convenience, they can dilute a car’s sense of uniqueness over time, especially when it is from prestige marques like Aston Martin. Having said that, modern instrument clusters have come a long way in the past decade, be it the LED display panels or higher refresh rates. They also possess the ability to show a lot more information, and you can, in theory, also pull off things like the anti-clockwise tachometer, a signature Aston Martin feature.
For iPhone users and those who are especially deep in the Apple Ecosystem via services like iCloud, Apple Music, and now Vision Pro, this move makes sense. In fact, Apple’s expanding automotive footprint will soon make virtual showrooms a reality via Vision Pro, allowing customers to visualize and customize their vehicles in an immersive 3D environment.
Starting today, CarPlay Ultra will be available as standard on the new DBX SUV and Aston’s sports car range, comprising the DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish, across the United States and Canada, with a global rollout planned within the next 12 months. For cars equipped with the brand’s next-gen infotainment system included since 2023, an update will be available via Aston Martin’s dealer network. CarPlay Ultra needs an iPhone 12 or later, running on iOS 18.54 or later.
Source: Aston Martin
