Apple CarPlay Ultra 2025: Everything You Need To Know About Apple’s Biggest In-Car Software Upgrade

Apple CarPlay Ultra 2025

Apple CarPlay has become one of the most important features for modern drivers, allowing iPhone users to connect their phones directly to their car’s infotainment system. It offers familiar apps, smoother navigation, and a safer way to interact with your phone while driving.

In 2025, Apple has finally launched its most ambitious update yet, officially called CarPlay Ultra. First revealed at WWDC 2022, this next-generation version goes far beyond the existing CarPlay experience and completely changes how in-car software works.

What Is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay was first introduced in 2014 as a simplified version of iOS designed specifically for cars. Once connected, it mirrors selected iPhone apps onto the car’s infotainment screen, replacing the manufacturer’s default interface.

The main reason drivers use CarPlay is convenience. It provides clear navigation, easy access to music, safer calling, and hands-free messaging through Siri. This is especially useful in older vehicles where built-in navigation systems may be outdated or slow.

CarPlay supports a limited but essential group of apps, including Phone, Messages, Music, and Maps. Drivers can make calls, reply to messages using voice commands, and control media without touching their phone. Because of its ease of use, CarPlay has become the most popular in-car software platform, ahead of Android Auto and many manufacturer-built systems.

Why Apple CarPlay Became So Popular

Car manufacturers are experts at building vehicles, but software has often been their weakest area. Many built-in infotainment systems feel slow, confusing, or outdated compared to smartphone interfaces.

CarPlay solves this problem by letting Apple handle the software experience. Apple claims that nearly all cars sold in the United States support CarPlay, and a large number of drivers now consider it a must-have feature when buying a new vehicle.

The success of CarPlay is one of the main reasons Apple decided to push further with a complete redesign, leading to the launch of CarPlay Ultra.

What Is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra is a complete redesign from the ground up. Unlike the current version, which works alongside the car’s existing software, CarPlay Ultra replaces the entire in-car software experience.

Instead of controlling only the main infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra extends across all screens inside the vehicle. This includes the digital instrument cluster, speedometer, fuel gauges, range indicators, and extended dashboards found in premium cars.

The goal is to create a unified Apple-designed experience that feels just as familiar as using an iPhone, but fully adapted for driving.

How CarPlay Ultra Takes Over the Car

One of the biggest changes with CarPlay Ultra is that it controls all driving displays. Apple-designed speedometers, dials, and gauges replace the traditional car interface.

All vehicle data, such as speed, fuel level, and range, still comes from the car’s sensors. Your iPhone runs the apps, but it does not store or track vehicle data. This ensures that the system remains accurate while maintaining privacy.

Drivers can customize their dashboard with widgets such as weather, trip information, or music controls. Larger dashboards allow even more widgets and detailed driving data, making better use of available screen space.

Full Vehicle Control Inside CarPlay Ultra

For the first time, CarPlay allows drivers to control core vehicle functions without leaving the interface. This includes:

• Climate control
• Heated seats
• FM radio
• Vehicle settings

Everything remains inside the CarPlay interface, meaning there is no need to switch back to the manufacturer’s software. Apple’s design stays consistent throughout, creating a smoother and less distracting driving experience.

This change marks a major shift in how cars handle software, as Apple is now deeply integrated into the vehicle’s systems.

SharePlay Comes to the Car

CarPlay Ultra also introduces SharePlay for the car. Passengers can play music and audio content directly through the vehicle without connecting their own phones to the system.

Only the driver’s iPhone needs to be connected. Other passengers receive a prompt on their iPhones, allowing them to contribute music easily. This feature works perfectly with Apple Music’s Collaborative Playlists, making shared trips more interactive and enjoyable.

When Did Apple CarPlay Ultra Launch?

Apple originally planned to release the new CarPlay experience in 2023. This later shifted to 2024, with expectations that it would arrive alongside iOS 18.

However, the timeline slipped. Apple quietly removed references to a 2024 launch from its website, leading to uncertainty around the rollout.

Now, in 2025, Apple CarPlay Ultra has finally arrived. It was announced through an official press release, and more details are expected at WWDC 2025.

Which Cars Support Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Aston Martin is the first car manufacturer to launch vehicles with CarPlay Ultra. The rollout starts in the United States and Canada, with software updates planned for recent Aston Martin models.

Porsche is confirmed as the next brand to support CarPlay Ultra. Apple has also listed several other manufacturers that will support the new system in the future, including:

• Ford
• Lincoln
• Mercedes-Benz
• Infiniti
• Honda
• Acura
• Jaguar
• Land Rover
• Audi
• Nissan
• Volvo
• Porsche
• Polestar

Apple has not confirmed when CarPlay Ultra will arrive in these vehicles, making availability uncertain for most drivers in the near future.

Why Some Automakers Are Saying No

Not all manufacturers are on board with CarPlay Ultra. BMW has already confirmed that it will not support the redesigned system, choosing instead to rely on its own iDrive 9 software.

General Motors has gone even further by removing CarPlay support entirely from its vehicles. Other manufacturers may follow a similar path, preferring to maintain control over their in-car software.

Despite this, Apple has confirmed that the current version of CarPlay will continue to be supported.

What CarPlay Ultra Means for the Future of Cars

CarPlay Ultra represents a major turning point for in-car software. Car manufacturers have long struggled to deliver high-quality digital experiences, and Apple’s entry raises expectations across the industry.

With Apple handling much of the software experience, manufacturers can focus more on vehicle engineering. At the same time, competition from Apple may push automakers to improve their own systems.

Even for drivers who never use CarPlay Ultra, the impact will likely be positive, as better software becomes a higher priority across the automotive industry.

Final Thoughts

Apple CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s boldest move into the automotive world yet. By taking control of every screen and major vehicle function, Apple is redefining what in-car software can be.

While availability is limited in 2025, the direction is clear. CarPlay Ultra sets a new standard for design, usability, and integration, and its influence will shape the future of connected cars for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

A. Apple CarPlay Ultra is a redesigned version of CarPlay that replaces the entire in-car software system and controls all vehicle displays.

Q2. When did CarPlay Ultra launch?

A. Apple officially launched CarPlay Ultra in 2025 after delays from its original 2023 and 2024 targets.

Q3. Which cars support CarPlay Ultra in 2025?

A. Aston Martin is the first brand to support CarPlay Ultra, with Porsche confirmed to follow.

Q4. Does CarPlay Ultra control vehicle functions?

A. Yes, it allows drivers to control climate settings, heated seats, radio, and other features directly within CarPlay.

Q5. Will current CarPlay still be supported?

A. Yes, Apple has confirmed that the existing version of CarPlay will continue to be supported.

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