Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, marking a major evolution in the in-car experience. As vehicles increasingly become extensions of our digital lives, CarPlay Ultra aims to seamlessly integrate Apple’s ecosystem with your car’s dashboard, offering a more immersive, personalized, and connected driving experience.
Let’s dive into what makes CarPlay Ultra different, which vehicles are getting it first, and how it sets the stage for the future of smart driving.
What Is CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s most ambitious update to CarPlay since its original launch in 2014. Announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the feature brings a full dashboard takeover, deeper integration with vehicle functions, and stunningly fluid animations that mirror the iPhone experience.
Unlike the previous version of CarPlay, which functioned more like a secondary interface projected onto your car’s infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra turns the entire dashboard into an Apple-like interface. That includes the instrument cluster, climate controls, seat settings, and more.
This isn’t just a UI upgrade—it’s a redefinition of the in-car experience powered by Apple’s ecosystem.
Key Features of CarPlay Ultra
Here are some standout features that make CarPlay Ultra the most advanced in-car operating system to date:
1. Multi-Screen Support
CarPlay Ultra can now control multiple screens simultaneously. That includes the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, center infotainment display, and even passenger-side screens in supported vehicles.
This means you can display Apple Maps navigation on the instrument cluster while playing music and checking weather on the main screen.
2. Customization and Widgets
Drivers can now customize the layout of the instrument cluster, adding widgets for weather, calendar, battery levels, and trip information. It’s a personalized dashboard experience similar to how iOS works on your iPhone.
3. Native Integration With Vehicle Functions
CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just project content; it deeply integrates with the car’s climate control, seat heating, defogger, fuel or EV battery levels, tire pressure, and more. This means you can adjust your car’s temperature using Siri or through a tap on the CarPlay UI.
4. Siri Gets Smarter
Siri in CarPlay Ultra is more responsive and context-aware. You can now ask things like:
- “What’s my tire pressure?”
- “Turn on the seat warmer.”
- “How much range do I have left?”
5. Real-Time Vehicle Data
CarPlay Ultra can now display real-time data such as:
- Speed
- RPM
- Fuel efficiency
- EV range and charging status
- Odometer and trip tracking
CarPlay Ultra, the Next Generation of CarPlay, Begins Rolling Out Today
Starting today, select vehicle manufacturers are enabling CarPlay Ultra on supported 2024 and 2025 models. Brands confirmed to be part of the first wave include:
- Porsche
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
- Audi
- Volvo
- Polestar
Some vehicles will have CarPlay Ultra pre-installed from the factory, while others may get it via an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
If you’re buying or leasing a premium vehicle in 2024 or 2025, chances are high it will either support or be compatible with CarPlay Ultra.
What You Need to Use CarPlay Ultra
To use CarPlay Ultra, you’ll need:
- An iPhone 15 or newer running iOS 17.4 or later
- A compatible vehicle from one of the supported manufacturers
- A USB-C or wireless connection, depending on the car’s configuration
Keep in mind, not all CarPlay-enabled cars will support CarPlay Ultra. The hardware requirements are higher, as it relies on multiple high-resolution displays and tighter integration with the vehicle’s internal systems.
Privacy and Data Control
Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to privacy with CarPlay Ultra. All data processed through your iPhone—including navigation, Siri requests, and widgets—remains private and is not shared with the vehicle manufacturer.
This is a big selling point for users concerned about data collection in modern vehicles, especially as car companies start building their own infotainment ecosystems.
How CarPlay Ultra Impacts the Automotive Industry
CarPlay Ultra’s rollout isn’t just a tech upgrade—it represents a paradigm shift in how we interact with our vehicles. Until now, automotive manufacturers have struggled to create infotainment systems as intuitive and smooth as smartphones. Apple’s solution takes that burden off automakers and gives consumers what they already love: the Apple ecosystem.
Automakers Benefit Too
By offloading UI development to Apple, car manufacturers can:
- Reduce software development costs
- Focus on core vehicle performance and hardware
- Appeal to a broader demographic of tech-savvy drivers
However, not all automakers are embracing the change. General Motors (GM), for instance, has publicly stated it will phase out CarPlay in future EVs in favor of its own system. Time will tell how that gamble plays out.
User Reactions and Early Reviews
As CarPlay Ultra begins rolling out today, early testers and tech journalists have shared positive feedback:
- “It’s like having a Tesla UI, but powered by your iPhone.”
- “Everything feels fluid, fast, and familiar.”
- “Siri feels like a real assistant now, not just a voice.”
Users especially appreciate how seamlessly CarPlay Ultra blends Apple Maps, Apple Music, and Calendar into the driving experience.
Is This the Future of In-Car Software?
In many ways, yes. As smartphones become more central to our lives, it’s only natural that they also become the brain of our vehicles. CarPlay Ultra brings us closer to that vision—where your phone controls your car interface, preferences sync automatically, and you get smart, beautiful, and safe interfaces with minimal setup.
This move also solidifies Apple’s growing presence in the automotive world, paving the way for its long-rumored Apple Car, or at the very least, a future where your car is just another Apple device.
Final Thoughts
CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, begins rolling out today, and it’s a significant leap forward in merging smartphone intelligence with in-car functionality. From complete dashboard control to smart Siri commands and real-time vehicle data, CarPlay Ultra offers a futuristic driving experience that’s sleek, secure, and incredibly intuitive.
Whether you’re a long-time Apple user or just someone who loves seamless tech, CarPlay Ultra is a must-have for your next vehicle. As more automakers adopt it, and Apple continues refining it, we’re entering an era where your iPhone truly becomes the heart of your car.
