Introduction
Imagine stepping into your car and finding every screen—from your speedometer to your media console—transformed into an extension of your iPhone. That’s the promise of Apple CarPlay Ultra, a bold move by Apple aiming to completely integrate its ecosystem into the car dashboard. But while some carmakers are embracing the future, others are resisting what they see as a digital power grab.
What Is Apple CarPlay Ultra?
Apple CarPlay Ultra is the most advanced version of Apple’s in-car software. Unlike the standard version that only works through the infotainment screen, Ultra extends across multiple displays, including the instrument cluster, vehicle controls, and even climate interfaces. All of this is powered by a connected iPhone (iPhone 12 or newer) running iOS 18.5 or later, using a wireless connection that activates the system as soon as the car starts.
The user interface is sleek, customizable, and familiar to iOS users. Drivers can tailor widgets, switch between themes, and use Siri for virtually all vehicle functions, including navigation, calls, and climate control. Unlike past versions of CarPlay, Ultra offers a near-total software skin over the vehicle’s own systems, bringing an Apple-like experience to every element of the dashboard.
Which Automakers Are Supporting CarPlay Ultra?
A few automakers have stepped forward to embrace CarPlay Ultra:
- Aston Martin: The luxury brand is the first to roll out CarPlay Ultra in select models, offering a fully immersive experience across the car’s displays.
- Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis: These South Korean manufacturers have confirmed their commitment and are planning to introduce Ultra in upcoming vehicles.
- Porsche: Also on board, Porsche is aligning with Apple to bring a premium, tech-enhanced driving experience to its models.
Others remain in various stages of exploration:
- Jaguar Land Rover: Currently considering the integration, with no confirmed rollout date.
- Honda and Acura: The adoption of CarPlay Ultra by these brands is still on schedule.
- Ford, Nissan, and Infiniti: Included in Apple’s original list in 2022, but their stance remains unclear. They haven’t confirmed or denied adoption, keeping the door open.
Why Are European Car Giants Saying No?
Many top European automakers have opted out, at least for now. Companies including Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Polestar, and Renault are either refusing to use Apple CarPlay Ultra or are hesitant to do so. The reasons are layered and strategic.
Concerns About Control
Automakers are cautious about ceding too much control to Apple. With CarPlay Ultra taking over nearly all digital touchpoints, manufacturers worry they’ll lose influence over the user experience. This could impact brand identity, customer loyalty, and the ability to innovate within their own ecosystems.
Data Ownership and Monetization
By handing over dashboard real estate to Apple, car companies fear losing access to valuable user data. Information like driving patterns, app usage, and preferences are assets automakers could otherwise use to improve services or monetize through subscriptions. Sharing that data with a tech giant is not appealing for companies that are investing in their own connected platforms.
Investments in Native Software
European brands have invested heavily in developing proprietary infotainment systems. For instance, Audi and Volvo have built sophisticated software based on Android Automotive. These platforms allow for customization, integration with other services, and over-the-air updates. Replacing them with Apple’s software layer could undercut years of investment and development.
What Makes CarPlay Ultra So Disruptive?

CarPlay Ultra represents a major shift in how technology interacts with vehicles. It’s not just a media display anymore. It controls navigation, instrument clusters, and even car settings like tire pressure and air conditioning. Essentially, Apple is offering a complete digital environment inside the vehicle.
For consumers, this might sound like a win. The interface is familiar, responsive, and tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem. For automakers, however, it’s a signal that they could be sidelined in the future of car technology—reduced to hardware providers while Apple handles the software experience.
The Growing Divide: Tech Giants vs. Carmakers
This standoff is not just about Apple. It is indicative of a larger conflict between the car industry and Silicon Valley. As cars become more software-driven, tech companies are eager to gain influence. Carmakers, on the other hand, are determined to stay relevant by building their own platforms and resisting total dependency on external providers.
While some consumers might be indifferent to who makes their dashboard software, the long-term implications are significant. The party that controls the dashboard likely controls the future of in-car commerce, data analytics, and customer engagement.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re a tech-savvy driver who already lives inside the Apple ecosystem, CarPlay Ultra could offer the kind of seamless experience you’ve always wanted. You’ll be able to use Maps, Music, Siri, Messages, and more across every screen in your car with minimal friction.
However, if you prefer automaker-specific features or value the uniqueness of a brand’s native interface, you may want to consider how much control you’re willing to hand over to Apple. Also, the availability of CarPlay Ultra may be limited depending on your car’s manufacturer, region, or model year.
The Road Ahead
Apple is expected to enhance CarPlay Ultra further with the release of iOS 26, anticipated in late 2025. Updates will likely include new UI components, live notifications, and better integration with vehicle systems. These advancements will make Ultra more powerful—but may also intensify the debate between Apple and automakers.
On the other side, European brands are unlikely to reverse course easily. With pressure mounting to innovate and deliver premium digital experiences, they will continue to refine their own ecosystems—while perhaps offering Apple limited access through standard CarPlay.
The eventual outcome may not be a winner-take-all scenario. Instead, it’s likely to evolve into a hybrid approach, where automakers and tech companies collaborate selectively. Drivers might soon get to choose between multiple dashboard modes, toggling between Apple, Android, or the manufacturer’s own system.
Conclusion
Apple CarPlay Ultra is not just a software update; it’s a bold vision of the future of in-car technology. It promises a unified, intuitive experience for users, but also stirs unease among automakers trying to defend their turf. The competition for control of the dashboard will likely get more fierce as the car industry becomes more digital.
For consumers, it’s a fascinating time. Whether you drive a luxury vehicle or a family SUV, the next wave of innovation is coming straight to your dashboard—and your smartphone might soon be in the driver’s seat, more literally than ever before.