Apple CarPlay Ultra debuts with Aston Martin

Apple has officially launched Apple CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation version of its popular in-car iPhone interface, and it’s making its debut with Aston Martin. Starting today in the U.S. and Canada, CarPlay Ultra takes smartphone connectivity to another level, including full-screen visuals across all of the car’s displays, such as the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster.

Aston Martin becomes the first carmaker in the world to offer the feature on its new vehicles, with other brands such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis set to follow. Apple says more global automakers will adopt the system over the next year, so a Middle East rollout is very likely on the horizon, especially given the popularity of CarPlay in the region.

What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra builds on the current CarPlay experience by offering a fully immersive interface that integrates natively with a car’s systems. That means drivers will see iPhone-powered content, such as Maps, Music, Messages, and even real-time vehicle data, displayed not just on the central infotainment screen but also on the instrument cluster and climate controls.

Drivers can view gauges like speed, RPM, fuel level, temperature, and even driver-assist features through Apple’s sleek UI. You can still control functions using traditional buttons, touchscreens, or Siri voice commands, but now they control vehicle-specific functions, including radio, AC, and performance settings, all through CarPlay Ultra.

The system also introduces customisable widgets and themes that match the vehicle’s design language. Each automaker gets its own unique look, co-developed with Apple’s design team. Users can further personalise themes with wallpapers and colour options.

Designed with automakers in mind

Aston Martin says it worked closely with Apple to integrate CarPlay Ultra into its latest infotainment system. The result is a premium interface that complements the brand’s identity.

Availability and compatibility

CarPlay Ultra is available starting today on new Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, and a software update for existing cars with Aston Martin’s next-gen infotainment system will follow in the coming weeks. A global rollout is planned over the next 12 months, which could include the GCC region, depending on local dealer implementation.

To use CarPlay Ultra, you’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later.

Apple CarPlay Ultra GCC timeline?

CarPlay is already widely adopted across the Middle East and GCC, with luxury and mainstream brands alike offering the system as standard or optional equipment. With brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis now committed to bringing CarPlay Ultra to their vehicles, customers in the region can expect the feature to appear in upcoming 2026 models.

For a tech-savvy market like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where digital dashboards and smartphone integration are high on buyers’ wish lists, CarPlay Ultra is likely to be a sought-after feature, especially in premium and flagship models.