Apple finally unveiled its next-generation “CarPlay Ultra” last month, transforming the dashboard experience for customers of a luxury vehicle maker. Unfortunately, the powerful new CarPlay is currently exclusive to the pricey Aston Martin DBX, leaving more affordable options in the dust.
Initially announced in June 2022, CarPlay Ultra was set to be integrated into vehicles from over a dozen automakers including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Porsche by the end of 2023. However, progress was slow, with only Porsche and Aston Martin showcasing a partial implementation by the deadline. It wasn’t until recently that the full CarPlay Ultra experience was revealed in some 2024 models, offering deeper integration and a fully Apple-designed dashboard.
The main hurdle Apple faced with CarPlay Ultra was convincing automakers to hand over control of their dashboards. Many companies were hesitant to relinquish this control, fearing Apple’s dominance in the automotive software space. As a result, the list of automakers partnering with Apple for CarPlay Ultra shrank significantly, with only Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands confirmed as committed partners.
While some automakers initially expressed interest in CarPlay Ultra, including Volvo and BMW, they have since backed out of the partnership. German luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and Audi cited a focus on custom digital experiences, while Renault opted to collaborate with Google and Qualcomm instead. Only Jaguar Land Rover remains undecided, with Hyundai emerging as a new ally for Apple.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding CarPlay Ultra’s availability in specific models, Hyundai’s track record with Apple Car Key suggests that their lineup may eventually feature the new dashboard technology. As automakers navigate the evolving landscape of in-car technology, partnerships with tech giants like Apple will continue to shape the driving experience for consumers.
