Apple Debuts Next 604016 Generation CarPlay Ultra Beginning With Aston Martin

Apple CarPlay Ultra is introduced with Aston Martin Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish models. b6c5e

Written by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 16 May 2025 10:00 IST

Apple Debuts Next-Generation CarPlay Ultra Beginning With Aston Martin

Photo Credit: Apple 62m2c

CarPlay Ultra can provides customised instrument cluster options to drivers

Highlights

CarPlay Ultra s real-time data on all driver-facing screens
It requires iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later firmware
Aston Martin’s cars are the first vehicles to get CarPlay Ultra

ment

Apple on Thursday unveiled the next generation of CarPlay — its in-car -friendly telematics suite for accessing content on your smartphone while you drive. It builds upon the existing capabilities to provide a deeper integration with the vehicle. Apple says the new CarPlay Ultra provides information for all driver's screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster and widgets powered by iPhone. The company is working with global automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to bring this experience to cars soon.

Apple CarPlay Ultra Availability 5yzq

Apple says Aston Martin's core vehicle lineup such as Aston Martin DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish, and with new vehicle orders beginning in the US and Canada. It will also be expanded to include vehicles globally in the next 12 months. Existing cars will get the infotainment suite as a software update available at local dealers.

One of the instrument cluster options in Apple CarPlay Ultra
Photo Credit: Apple

CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or newer models running iOS 18.5 or later firmware, as per the company.

Apple CarPlay Ultra Features 545r6t

According to Apple, CarPlay Ultra is the “ultimate in-car experience” which integrates the iPhone with the vehicle even deeper to maximise both of their features. It can display content on the driver's screens including the instrument cluster, which now has varied options for customising elements like speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. Drivers can choose to display information such as maps and media, along with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the instrument cluster itself.

Apple CarPlay Ultra provides multiple options to control not only radio, climate control, and other basic functions, but also vehicle-specific features, audio system configurations, and performance settings by using on-screen controls, physical buttons, and even Siri. There are even widgets powered by iPhone that can be placed on either the screen or the gauge cluster for quick access to information.

It also provides integrated controls for various vehicle features
Photo Credit: Apple

The new CarPlay Ultra is a customisable and personalised platform which allows automakers to reflect their distinct design language in line with their customers' expectations. Their design teams can work closely with Apple to create custom themes which are tailor-made for each vehicle. Meanwhile, drivers can personalise colours and wallpapers of themes as per their preference.

Notably, Apple CarPlay works when you connect your iPhone to a compatible in-car entertainment (ICE) system by showing you a select few apps from your phone that you'd typically need while driving. This includes music streaming platforms, navigation apps, as well as your phone dialler, arranged in an easy-to-use layout and complete with a home screen and app drawer. With these, you can continue to access your smartphone's various functions as you normally would, without being distracted on the road.

iPhone 12 14t11

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
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Value for Money

Good
Very good build quality
Dolby Vision HDR video recording
Excellent cameras
Smooth performance in everyday use

Bad
Battery life could be better
Gets warm when stressed

Read detailed Apple iPhone 12 review

Display 6.10-inch

Processor Apple A14 Bionic

Front Camera 12-megapixel

Rear Camera 12-megapixel + 12-megapixel

Storage 64GB

OS iOS 14

Resolution 1170x2532 pixels

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Further reading: Aston Martin

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More