Aston Martin debuts the Apple CarPlay Ultra
Apple are about to give cars the ultimate iPhone makeover.
The next generation of Apple CarPlay — which takes over all the car's screens, including the speedometer — has officially launched in the US, debuting in Aston Martin sports cars.
The update is currently available for new Aston Martin vehicles in the US and Canada, with the carmaker planning to expand globally over the next year.
Having revolutionised in-car entertainment with Apple CarPlay by seamlessly integrating smartphone apps and features into vehicle displays, Apple has always aimed to take over digital dashboards and other readouts.
This latest announcement marks a significant milestone in achieving just that.
The tech giant reignited the hype around the Apple CarPlay Ultra at its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, offering more details on its design and how it worked.
The current version of Apple CarPlay is an app within a car's existing infotainment software that allows drivers to access things like maps, music, and messages without picking up an iPhone. Instead of using the carmaker's built-in system, CarPlay puts a version of an iPhone right on the car's touchscreen (similar to a monitor).
Apple CarPlay Ultra is Apple's next-generation in-car system, which doesn't sit on top of a car's software but instead takes over the entire dashboard.
While drivers will still be able to access the familiar features from the current CarPlay system, CarPlay Ultra goes further by replacing both the central touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster behind the wheel with a fully customisable, Apple-designed interface.
This new interface includes a complete makeover of the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, temperature, tire pressure, trip details, driver-assistance tools, and safety features. All of these are presented in the clear and legible style that has become the hallmark of Apple's products.
Drivers can also use on-screen controls and physical buttons to manage standard vehicle functions like the car's radio and climate.
Unlike the current version of CarPlay, which sometimes takes a few seconds to connect, CarPlay Ultra operates entirely over a wireless connection. It is designed to activate immediately when the car starts, ensuring that crucial features like instrument clusters are immediately operational.
CarPlay Ultra also introduces widgets powered by iPhone that perfectly fit the car's screen or gauge cluster to provide information at a glance.
For the system to work, drivers will need an iPhone 12 or later and use an operating system of at least iOS 18.4.
The latest announcement has only confirmed Hyundai, Kia and Genesis for the system ahead of its Australian launch in the next 12 months.
However, luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi, Volvo, and Jaguar Land Rover also agreed to the changes.
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