Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation evolution of its in-car interface—and it could radically change how we interact with vehicles here in the UK. Initially available in the US and Canada, the new system makes its debut in selected Aston Martin models, but a UK rollout is firmly on the horizon.
In this article, we’ll explore what CarPlay Ultra is, what makes it so different from the standard CarPlay experience, and—most importantly—which cars in the UK could be next in line.
📌 Want to dive deeper? Read the official announcement on MacRumors
What Is CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s most advanced in-car experience to date. Where traditional CarPlay simply projected selected apps onto your infotainment screen, Ultra takes full control of all the displays in your car—including the digital instrument cluster.
This means Apple’s slick interface will show up where your speedometer, sat-nav, and climate settings usually live, offering a seamless Apple-style experience across the entire dashboard.
Key Features of CarPlay Ultra
Here’s what makes CarPlay Ultra stand out:
Full Dashboard Integration
Widgets on Every Screen
Climate & Vehicle Controls
Improved Siri Functionality
A Unified Look & Feel
Where Is It Available?
Currently, CarPlay Ultra is only available in North America, launching first in new Aston Martin vehicles, including:
DB12
Vantage
DBX
Vanquish
These models will come with Ultra pre-installed or available as a dealer update. While UK drivers will need to wait a little longer, this rollout offers a strong indication of what’s coming.
When Will It Come to the UK?
Although Apple hasn’t confirmed a UK release date, industry insiders expect a UK rollout within the next 12 months. Given Aston Martin is a British brand, it’s highly likely that UK drivers will be among the next group to receive the update.
Other manufacturers expected to support CarPlay Ultra soon include:
Jaguar Land Rover
BMW
Audi
Volvo
Hyundai
Genesis
Mercedes-Benz
Polestar
Many of these marques already offer strong CarPlay support, and their newer vehicles with fully digital dashboards are prime candidates for Ultra integration.
Which iPhone will support CarPlay Ultra?
To use CarPlay Ultra, you’ll need:
An iPhone 12 or later
iOS 18.4 or newer
A car with a fully digital instrument cluster
A supported CarPlay Ultra-capable vehicle
If your current car supports standard CarPlay and you’d like to learn how to set it up, take a look at our Getting Started with Apple CarPlay guide.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. For Apple users, CarPlay Ultra could make your vehicle feel like a natural extension of your iPhone. It’s designed to eliminate the awkward handoffs between car manufacturers’ systems and Apple’s interface, giving you one consistent, intuitive environment.
It also places Apple ahead of rivals like Google’s Android Automotive, which has seen slower UK adoption.
Final Thoughts
CarPlay Ultra represents a serious evolution of in-car technology. Although the UK isn’t first in line, British drivers—especially those considering high-end or electric vehicles—should keep an eye out as this rolls out in more markets.
With Aston Martin spearheading the integration, it’s likely we’ll see other UK and European marques following suit soon. We’ll be updating our guides as more details emerge.
📖 Want to learn more about how CarPlay works today? Don’t miss our Apple CarPlay setup guide.
Are you looking for a car with Apple CarPlay?
We have a wide range of cars available with Apple CarPlay listed in it’s specification, these include some of the latest Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rovers and Volkswagens. We offer vehicles on both short-term car leases and car subscriptions.
If you would like further information, please contact the team on 01332 290173 or use the ENQUIRY FORM at the bottom of this article.
