Apple CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin: Revolutionary Dashboard Integration
The long-awaited next generation of Apple’s in-car experience has arrived, with Aston Martin leading the charge as the first automaker to implement CarPlay Ultra. This groundbreaking technology transforms how drivers interact with their vehicles, creating a seamless bridge between iPhone functionality and Aston Martin’s legendary performance and luxury. Let’s explore how this partnership is redefining the driving experience through unprecedented digital integration.
What Is Apple CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra represents Apple’s most ambitious automotive integration yet, expanding beyond the center infotainment screen to encompass the entire dashboard experience. Unlike standard CarPlay, which merely mirrors select iPhone apps, CarPlay Ultra deeply integrates with vehicle systems to deliver a cohesive experience across all driver displays.
This next-generation system provides a unified interface that combines iPhone functionality with vehicle-specific controls and information. The result is a seamless experience that maintains Aston Martin’s distinctive luxury aesthetic while incorporating Apple’s renowned intuitive design philosophy.
Experience CarPlay Ultra Today
CarPlay Ultra is now available with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada, with existing model updates coming soon.
Explore Aston Martin ModelsKey Features of CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin
Instrument Cluster Integration
CarPlay Ultra completely transforms the instrument cluster with dynamic, customizable gauges for speed, RPM, fuel level, and temperature. Drivers can choose from multiple display themes co-designed by Apple and Aston Martin, ranging from traditional analog-style gauges to minimalist digital displays.
The system allows you to display iPhone information like maps and media alongside vehicle data such as tire pressure and driver assistance systems, all within your line of sight.
Unified Vehicle Controls
One of CarPlay Ultra’s most significant advances is the integration of vehicle controls within the Apple interface. Climate settings, radio functions, and even performance configurations can be managed through CarPlay Ultra’s intuitive interface, physical buttons, or Siri voice commands.
This integration eliminates the need to switch between different interfaces, creating a more cohesive and distraction-free driving experience that’s uniquely tailored to Aston Martin vehicles.
Intelligent Widgets and Personalization
CarPlay Ultra introduces iPhone-powered widgets that perfectly fit Aston Martin’s screens, providing at-a-glance information without distraction. These widgets can display everything from upcoming calendar appointments and weather forecasts to vehicle-specific data like performance metrics.
Drivers can personalize their experience by selecting preferred color schemes and wallpapers that complement Aston Martin’s interior design, creating a truly bespoke digital environment.
Apple and Aston Martin: A Design Partnership
The implementation of CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin vehicles represents a unique collaboration between two brands renowned for their design excellence. Rather than simply applying Apple’s interface to Aston Martin’s screens, the two companies worked closely to create a bespoke experience that honors both brands’ design philosophies.
“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers.”
This collaboration has resulted in custom themes that incorporate Aston Martin’s distinctive design elements, including the brand’s iconic racing green color palette, the “Handbuilt in Great Britain” insignia, and other signature touches that maintain the marque’s identity while embracing Apple’s interface principles.
Traditional Theme
Features classic round gauges with Aston Martin’s signature racing green accents and traditional typography, perfect for purists who appreciate the brand’s heritage.
Minimalist Theme
Offers a contemporary interpretation with horizontal bars and a cleaner aesthetic that emphasizes essential information while maintaining brand identity.
Customize Your Experience
CarPlay Ultra allows you to personalize colors and wallpapers to match your individual style while maintaining Aston Martin’s distinctive design language.
Learn More About CarPlayAvailability and Compatibility
CarPlay Ultra Availability
- Available now with new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the U.S. and Canada
- Coming to existing Aston Martin models with next-generation infotainment systems via dealer software update in the coming weeks
- Global rollout planned across Aston Martin’s lineup over the next 12 months
- Future availability confirmed for Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and other manufacturers
Device Requirements
To use CarPlay Ultra with your Aston Martin, you’ll need:
iPhone Requirements
- iPhone 12 or later model
- iOS 18.5 or later
- Wireless connection capability
Vehicle Requirements
- 2024 or newer Aston Martin with digital instrument cluster
- Next-generation infotainment system
- Software update (for existing eligible vehicles)
Updating Existing Vehicles
If you already own an eligible Aston Martin, you can have CarPlay Ultra installed at your local dealership. The update process typically takes less than an hour and ensures your vehicle has the latest software to support the enhanced functionality.
Schedule Your Update
Contact your local Aston Martin dealer to schedule a CarPlay Ultra update for your eligible vehicle.
Find Your DealerThe User Experience
CarPlay Ultra fundamentally changes how drivers interact with their Aston Martin vehicles. The system boots up instantly upon entering the car, creating a seamless transition from your iPhone to your vehicle’s displays. The interface is immediately familiar to iPhone users while incorporating Aston Martin’s distinctive design elements.
Intuitive Controls
Navigate through CarPlay Ultra using Aston Martin’s physical controls, touchscreen interfaces, or Siri voice commands. The system integrates with steering wheel buttons for easy access to essential functions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Swipe gestures on the instrument cluster’s thumb pad allow you to cycle through different gauge layouts and information displays, putting critical information exactly where you want it.
Seamless Integration
CarPlay Ultra eliminates the need to switch between different interfaces. Vehicle functions like climate control, audio settings, and performance configurations are all accessible within the Apple environment, creating a more cohesive experience.
For specialized vehicle functions, CarPlay Ultra uses “punch-through UI” to display native Aston Martin screens within the Apple interface, ensuring you never have to exit the system.
Navigation Reimagined
One of the most impressive aspects of CarPlay Ultra is how it handles navigation. Apple Maps can now display directly in the instrument cluster, keeping directions in your line of sight while maintaining essential driving information like speed and fuel level.
The system also allows for seamless transitions between the center display and instrument cluster, with maps automatically adjusting to make optimal use of each screen’s real estate.
Advantages
- Instant boot-up and connection
- Familiar Apple interface with Aston Martin design elements
- Multiple control options (touch, physical buttons, voice)
- Seamless integration of vehicle and phone functions
- Customizable themes and layouts
Considerations
- Brief initial setup time when first connecting
- Calendar notifications can sometimes obscure media information
- Requires iPhone 12 or newer with iOS 18.5+
- Some specialized vehicle functions still use native interface
The Future of In-Car Technology
Aston Martin’s pioneering implementation of CarPlay Ultra represents just the beginning of a new era in automotive interfaces. Apple has confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and numerous other manufacturers are working to bring CarPlay Ultra to their vehicles in the near future.
This expansion signals a significant shift in how automakers approach in-car technology, with many embracing Apple’s ecosystem while maintaining their unique brand identities through collaborative design. For consumers, this means greater consistency across vehicles while still enjoying manufacturer-specific features and aesthetics.
“With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent. This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker.”
As more manufacturers adopt CarPlay Ultra, we can expect to see continued innovation in how our digital lives integrate with our vehicles, creating increasingly personalized and intuitive driving experiences that balance technology with the unique character of each automotive brand.
Experience the Future Today
Apple CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin vehicles represents a perfect marriage of luxury automotive craftsmanship and cutting-edge digital technology. By deeply integrating iPhone functionality with Aston Martin’s sophisticated vehicle systems, CarPlay Ultra creates an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts—intuitive, personalized, and distinctly premium.
For drivers who demand both exceptional performance and seamless digital integration, this partnership delivers a compelling vision of automotive technology’s future—available today in one of the world’s most prestigious marques.
Ready to Experience CarPlay Ultra?
Discover how Apple CarPlay Ultra can transform your driving experience in a new Aston Martin.
Schedule a Test DriveCan I update my existing Aston Martin to support CarPlay Ultra?
Yes, if you own a 2024 or newer Aston Martin with the next-generation infotainment system, you can have CarPlay Ultra installed through a dealer software update. Contact your local Aston Martin dealer for eligibility and scheduling.
Do I need to upgrade my iPhone to use CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or newer. If you’re using an older iPhone model, you’ll need to upgrade to access the full CarPlay Ultra experience.
When will CarPlay Ultra be available for other vehicle brands?
Apple has confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and other manufacturers are working to implement CarPlay Ultra. Each automaker will announce their specific availability timelines, but we expect to see wider adoption throughout 2025 and 2026.
