Apple made the final jump in the integration between its devices and the car with the arrival of Carplay UltraThe most advanced evolution of its car ecosystem. After a long wait and several delays compared to the initial announcement in 2022, the company has officially confirmed that its new platform is now available, although for the moment it is reserved for a very specific audience.
The world first of Carplay Ultra occurs exclusively with the new Aston Martin modelsStarting with the United States and Canada. The owners of an Aston Martin equipped with the updated infotainment system can receive features thanks to a software update in the coming weeks. However, the global deployment is scheduled for the next twelve months, expanding its arrival in the United Kingdom and Europe in the next year.
A system that transforms driving experience
Carplay Ultra goes far beyond the traditional functions of CarplayThis limited interaction to multimedia reproduction and cards on the central screen. Now, the system takes up all vehicle screens, including the instrument frame and even the air conditioner or radio controls. The pilot can view critical data such as speed, revolutions, fuel, temperature and wheels Directly alongside card, music and pilot assistance notices. All this is shown with advanced personalization options and subjects that reflect the visual identity of each manufacturer.
The system allows the user to manage as much Basic functions as an advanced car Through the touch screen, physical commands of the vehicle or vocal activation with Siri. They are also integrated iPhone -style widgets which allow you to consult data on the calendar, the weather or other notifications without losing sight of the road.
Carplay Ultra Beginnings is produced in the new Aston MartinBoth in the DB12, Vantage, Vanquish and DBX 707 models, and in other vehicles of the brand equipped with the latest infotainment system. This collaboration marks an important step both for Apple and the British firm, which is repeated as a pioneer in the adoption of Cupertino Technologies – remembering that his head of current technology has already introduced the first Carplay of Ferrari in 2014.
According to the declarations of managers of the two companies, integration reacts to in-depth work to offer an experience that goes beyond the sector standard. Users can also personalize the visual appearance of Ultra Carplay with colors and wallpapers to their likingMake each car a different digital experience.
Compatibility, requirements and expansion to other brands
To be able to use Carplay Ultra, An iPhone 12 or posterior with iOS 18.5 or a higher version is essential. For the moment, its availability is limited to North America, but Aston Martin and Apple have confirmed the next European deployment. In addition, new brands such as Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are already working on the incorporation of the platform in their next models, although there are still no concrete dates for its launch.
He underlines that, unlike the original carplay, the new version It requires deeper technical integration with vehicle systemsThis is why the transition will take time in the rest of the manufacturers.
One of the most indicated aspects of Carplay Ultra is the Collaboration with manufacturers to adapt the aesthetics and the arrangement of the system to the philosophy of each brand. Visual experience, subjects and personalization options can be configured, which means that each car has a unique interface.
In short, the arrival of Carplay Ultra represents A decisive step in the tendency to transform the car into an extension of the digital user ecosystem.
