Apple's CarPlay Ultra, the next-gen version of CarPlay, has begun rolling out to Aston Martin and is supported by several automakers including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and others, but many brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, and Renault have dropped support plans. The rollout timeline remains uncertain, with Hyundai's upcoming IONIQ 3 EV expected to support CarPlay Ultra in early 2026, while Ford has expressed mixed feelings about the platform. Overall, support for CarPlay Ultra is expanding but still limited, with no comprehensive list from Apple yet.
Ford's CEO has provided an update on CarPlay Ultra, a new automotive infotainment feature, highlighting its development and potential impact on vehicle connectivity and user experience.
Ford's CEO Jim Farley indicated that support for CarPlay Ultra is not imminent and may depend on Apple's decisions regarding control over vehicle functions, suggesting a cautious approach and ongoing discussions but no immediate plans for support.
Ford CEO Jim Farley is hesitant to adopt Apple's CarPlay Ultra due to concerns over execution and control, favoring Google's platform for its better integration and flexibility, but remains open to future versions if improvements are made.
Apple's CarPlay Ultra, initially exclusive to luxury cars like Aston Martin, may soon be available in the more affordable Hyundai Ioniq 3, an electric vehicle expected to cost around $35,000 with a 365-mile range, potentially making advanced Apple integration accessible to a broader audience.
Tech YouTuber MKBHD reviews CarPlay Ultra, a rare feature currently supported only in select Aston Martin vehicles, with broader updates for standard CarPlay coming in iOS 26, including app widgets, icon customization, and video playback.
Leaked details reveal Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display, with a launch expected in late 2026. Meanwhile, iOS 26 public beta is anticipated soon, bringing features like video support on CarPlay and new iPad Pro models with M5 chips and dual front cameras. Apple is also expected to announce the iPhone 17 series in September, with design changes and new models.
Apple's CarPlay Ultra, the next-gen version of CarPlay, has begun rolling out to Aston Martin in North America, but broader support from other automakers has been delayed or dropped, with only a select group of brands like Acura, Ford, and Hyundai confirmed to support it by July 2025.
Apple announced major updates for CarPlay in iOS 26, including a new design, widgets for quick information, and the expansion of CarPlay Ultra, which offers deeper integration with vehicles, initially available in Aston Martin models and expected to expand to other car brands.
The next generation of CarPlay, including the new CarPlay Ultra and updates in iOS 26, is shaping up to be more versatile and beneficial for all users, not just premium vehicles, with new features like widgets, video support, and a new design, signaling a significant upgrade in Apple's in-car experience.
Apple announced major updates for CarPlay in iOS 26, including a new design, widgets for quick information, and the expansion of CarPlay Ultra, which offers deeper integration with vehicles, initially available in Aston Martin models and expanding to other carmakers.
Apple announced major updates to CarPlay in iOS 26 at WWDC, including a redesigned interface, new widgets for quick info, and the expansion of CarPlay Ultra for deeper vehicle integration, initially available in Aston Martin models and expanding to other carmakers.
Polestar confirms it will offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra in future electric vehicles, although no specific timeline has been provided. CarPlay Ultra, which offers deep integration with vehicle systems, is currently available in Aston Martin models and is expected to be adopted by other automakers like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis over the next year or more.
Several major automakers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota, have decided not to support Apple's new CarPlay Ultra feature, despite its recent launch and some brands like Aston Martin adopting it. Most brands still support standard CarPlay, but the adoption of CarPlay Ultra appears limited, reflecting automakers' hesitations about the new platform's control features.
