In May 2025, Apple released CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. However, more than a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to select Aston Martin vehicles priced in the six-figure range.
In a press release last year, Apple said “many” other vehicle brands around the world planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Yet more than 15 months have passed since that announcement, and the software has yet to be expanded beyond Aston Martin. Apple also seems to have remained silent about CarPlay Ultra.
CarPlay Ultra offers deeper integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster and systems, built-in apps for radio and climate controls, support for rearview camera feed, and much more. The connected iPhone provides app-related data, while the vehicle provides information such as current speed, fuel level, tire pressure, engine temperature, etc.
The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and car manufacturer identity, and drivers can choose from various predefined design options.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said he’s been told CarPlay Ultra will come to at least one new Hyundai or Kia vehicle model “in the second half of this year,” so hopefully the software will finally expand beyond Aston Martin in the last four months of 2026. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
