Apple CarPlay Ultra lands in Aston Martin’s flagship SUVs, but not everyone’s ready to hand over the dashboard (or their data).
• Deeper iPhone integration: CarPlay Ultra can now control climate, navigation, gauges, and more, across all screens.
• Aston Martin leads the charge, with Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Porsche reportedly on board.
• Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Renault and others opt out, citing brand differentiation and data concerns.
Let’s take a look at what everyone is thinking of it…
What Apple CarPlay Ultra Does, And Why It Matters
Apple CarPlay Ultra can be mistaken as just a simple software upgrade, but it’s not, if you want the answer in simple terms you can call it as a full dash takeover. Now, your instrument cluster can show CarPlay widgets like Apple Maps, music, and tire pressure, not just the center screen (motortrend.com, apple.com, ft.com).
That means, for the first time, you can tap iPhone-powered climate, music, and driving displays without ever exiting CarPlay. Widgets slide in like they were built for it, weather, battery, etc., making your car feel more like an iPhone on wheels .
Automakers Aren’t All In, and Here’s Why
Brand Identity at Risk
Brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo say they’re protecting their design DNA. Renault executives even pushed back, warning Apple not to “invade our systems” (ft.com). These automakers have invested heavily in their own UIs and want them to stand out, dashboard uniqueness matters more than ever.
Data and Revenue Stakes
CarPlay Ultra gains deep visibility into car data say speed, A/C, fuel flow which carmakers see as potential subscription revenue or monetizable services. If Apple grabs control, that data, that opportunity, goes elsewhere.
Who’s On Board, and Who’s Sitting Out
• Aston Martin: First adopter. Ultra arrives on the DBX, DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish, with Apple-approved themes that still feel “unmistakably Aston” (businessinsider.com).
• Hyundai/Kia/Genesis: Confirmed support, even though they have robust in-house systems .
• Porsche: Developing, with pilot models on test, it’s clearly interested.
• Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Renault: All reportedly said “not yet,” or no, due to design control and data concerns (ft.com).
Real-World Take: A Test Drive in Aston Martin DBX
Road & Track reports that CarPlay Ultra is seamless, with crisp graphics that slide across screens fluidly . Switching radio or adjusting climate? No switching between systems, it’s all in one place. Drivers report the experience feels intuitive, especially with Siri handling hands-free tasks.
On the other hand, some argue it downplays the car’s own personality, fonts and layouts still follow Apple’s design playbook . For brands like Mercedes or Volvo, that tradeoff isn’t worth it.
Back to Basics: Standard CarPlay Is Still King
Apple reminds us that standard CarPlay remains popular, claimed in 98% of U.S. new cars, used 600 million times daily (ft.com). And nearly half of buyers won’t consider a new car without wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (motortrend.com).
This solid base gives Apple leverage: they’re offering Ultra for free to Aston Martin drivers and expect consumer demand to pressure others (ft.com).
Final Thoughts: Tech Win or Brand Loss?
CarPlay Ultra is brilliant, there’s no argument there. It unifies control, improves ease-of-use, and extends your iPhone experience into your car’s core. But it also scratches where automakers itch: on brand identity, data ownership, and long-term monetization.
Early adopters like Aston Martin gain a polished, instantly recognizable increase in user experience. Others, notably luxury brands, hesitate, they don’t want Apple’s footprint overshadowing their own craftsmanship and control.
Apple’s move is bold. Hinting at subtle power play. And we’re watching the industry decide who wins the dash.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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