Apple’s biggest product releases through the years
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Apple is rolling out a major upgrade to one of its most-used technologies – Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay
The backstory:
Apple CarPlay is a technology that mirrors your iPhone to your vehicle’s display, allowing you to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages and enjoy music without having to look down at your phone. It’s been around since 2014.
CarPlay Ultra
Big picture view:
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, is available now – but only in select vehicles. Those vehicles are new Aston Martins ordered now in the U.S. and Canada, with the upgrade also available in some existing models that can house a certain software update in the coming weeks.
What it does:
CarPlay Ultra provides information for all of the driver’s screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker’s look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience, Apple said this week.
Dig deeper:
Drivers can choose to show information from their iPhone, like maps and media, along with information that comes from the car, such as advanced driver assistance systems and tire pressure, right in the instrument cluster.
Apple is collaborating closely with the design teams from various automakers, to craft custom themes that feel tailor-made for each car, Apple said.
What they’re saying:
“This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
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What’s next:
Other automakers are looking to incorporate CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.
The upgrade will expand to Aston Martin vehicles globally in the next 12 months.
Other specs:
CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from a May 15, 2025, Apple press release about CarPlay Ultra, posted to Apple’s newsroom. This story was reported from Detroit.
