Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, its much-anticipated upgrade to in-car iPhone integration. But there’s a twist: the only way to get it right now is by driving away in a brand-new Aston Martin.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
CarPlay Ultra is more than a visual makeover. Instead of just casting apps to the center infotainment screen, it takes over the entire digital dashboard, replacing standard speedometers and gauges with sleek Apple-designed displays. Drivers now see iPhone-powered graphics in front of them, making the Apple experience central to the entire drive.
“iPhone users love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s VP of worldwide marketing. “With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent.”
To make this next-gen CarPlay yours, you’ll need to order a new Aston Martin in North America. The upgrade is currently shipping in the DBX SUV, DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish models. It comes standard on new builds and will soon be available as a dealer-installed update for current Aston Martins with the company’s 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Why Apple Started with Aston Martin
The decision to roll out CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin first speaks volumes. It shows Apple wants the new system to debut with premium style. By syncing with a luxury brand known for handcrafted interiors and performance prestige, Apple ensures that its software stands out without clashing with OEM aesthetics.
Apple confirms more automakers will follow. But the rollout pace remains unclear, making Aston Martin drivers the first to experience Apple’s most immersive in-car tech yet.
“The next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car,” Borchers added. “We are thrilled to begin rolling out CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin, with more manufacturers to come.”
TF Summary: What’s Next
If you want CarPlay Ultra now, you need to go luxury. Apple is launching it exclusively with Aston Martin in North America. Expect broader rollouts in the months ahead, but timing will vary by manufacturer.
In the meantime, the Aston Martin crowd gets the first taste of Apple’s most immersive dashboard integration to date.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech