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yesterday

Apple CarPlay Ultra Debuts in Aston Martin and Faces Automaker Pushback

Available only to North American Aston Martin drivers with iOS 18.5-compatible iPhones, the system’s future hinges on consumer demand overcoming brand reluctance

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Overview

  • CarPlay Ultra is live in Aston Martin’s DBX707 after its May launch, marking the platform’s first deployment in a production vehicle.
  • The interface controls displays including instrument clusters, touchscreen functions, climate settings and drive modes, and introduces iPhone-powered widgets for navigation and media.
  • Leading automakers Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo Cars, Polestar and Renault have rejected CarPlay Ultra to protect their own infotainment platforms.
  • Porsche, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis remain committed to adopting the system in upcoming models, while Jaguar Land Rover continues to evaluate its integration.
  • Apple anticipates that once drivers experience the seamless interface, consumer demand will build pressure on holdout manufacturers to open their dashboards to CarPlay Ultra.