CarPlay Ultra: Apple's New Era in Cars

Apple is revolutionizing the car dashboard. With the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the company takes a step further taking control of virtually everything digital inside the vehicle.

This new version, which arrives along with iOS 18.5, goes beyond the classic CarPlay and proposes something ambitious, a complete redesign of the car's interface. In this article, we tell you what makes CarPlay Ultra different and which cars you can see it in.

 

What is CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra is the most advanced version of the CarPlay system. While previous versions limited its function to the central infotainment screen.

This new version integrates deeply with the car's system and allows control of multiple screens at the same time: from the infotainment center to the instrument panel behind the steering wheel. So you can see relevant information such as speed, fuel consumption, navigation system, calls, music or messages, and weather, all from an interface designed by Apple.

Apple not only redesigns how the car's system looks but also how it is used. The idea is for the car to adopt the aesthetics, fluidity, and simplicity of the iPhone, completely replacing the manufacturer's operating system, if desired.

 

Main Features

Total Car Control

CarPlay Ultra has access to real-time vehicle data. This includes things like:

• Speed and RPM
• Fuel or battery levels
• Door, seatbelt, light status
• Climate control
• Tire pressure sensors

All presented with a clean, fluid interface in Apple style.

Adaptive Design

Each car can have its own version of CarPlay Ultra, adapted to the dashboard design, while the user can choose between different themes, panel styles, and dynamic interfaces. Some designs even change depending on the type of driving: normal, sport, or electric.

Continuity with iPhone

The entire iOS experience is transferred to the car: Apple Music, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, and even widgets. The system can also display non-intrusive notifications, respecting the driver's concentration.

Multi-Screen Compatibility

CarPlay Ultra adapts to each screen in the vehicle. Do you have a screen for the driver, another in the center, and one more for the co-driver? Apple can adapt the content for each, all in sync.

Interactive Widgets

Just like on iPhone and iPad, CarPlay Ultra allows adding custom widgets: weather, calendar, navigation, now playing, upcoming destinations, among others. All accessible from the dashboard and designed not to clash with the rest of the car.

 

Compatible Cars

Apple confirmed that the first models to integrate CarPlay Ultra will launch in 2025, with Aston Martin and Porsche leading the way. Other brands already working with Apple, such as:

• Mercedes-Benz
• Audi
• Honda
• Volvo
• Ford
• Hyundai
• Nissan
• BMW

However, the experience may vary: some brands will give Apple full control of the system, while others will integrate it only partially.

Requirements

To use CarPlay Ultra, you will need:

• An iPhone 12 or later
• iOS 18.5 or later
• A car compatible with the new CarPlay architecture

It won't be possible to install it in cars with older CarPlay versions due to hardware and design limitations.

 

Does it Replace the Manufacturer's System?

In some cases, yes. Apple does not force manufacturers to abandon their native systems, but offers CarPlay Ultra as a complete alternative. Some cars will allow switching between the original system and CarPlay, while others may come with Apple's interface as default.

And the best part is that you'll not only be able to use apps or music but also control air conditioning, seat heating, the rear camera, or driver assistance features.

 

Where Does This All Lead?

CarPlay Ultra is not just another update. It's the strongest step Apple has taken so far to fully immerse itself in the automotive world: an environment where Apple's software controls everything, from navigation to climate control.

In the future, we could see even more integration with Apple Maps, Siri, Apple Music, Apple Pay for tolls, and possibly exclusive features for electric or autonomous vehicles.

 

Conclusion

CarPlay Ultra marks a before and after in the experience. With a smarter, more fluid, and personalized interface, Apple completely transforms the way we interact with the car. And it does so with its style: hassle-free, with a clean design and the iPhone as the central piece. If manufacturers decide to bet strongly on this integration, we could be on the verge of a new era where Apple's software not only lives in our pockets but also in every mile we travel.