Aston Martin Is The First To Get Apple’s Fancy New Apple CarPlay Ultra – Here’s What That Means for You

Apple’s CarPlay just got a massive “facelift”, and Aston Martin is the first lucky automaker to slip into this shiny new skin. Meet CarPlay Ultra: Apple’s most ambitious attempt yet to take over your car’s dashboard, and it’s not just a new look. It's a full-blown cockpit command centre with the soul of an iPhone.

Let’s find out more about Apple CarPlay Ultra!

So, What Exactly Is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Apple CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s next-gen in-car system that takes over all of your car’s screens — yes, even the instrument cluster. Think speedometer, fuel gauge, climate control, and media, all wrapped in a slick Apple-designed UI. You don’t just plug in your iPhone anymore; now your iPhone practically becomes the car.

This means you can view your real-time speed, RPMs, fuel level, EV battery status, and even control your AC or music, all via touch, buttons, knobs, or Siri. It's like turning your Aston Martin into a spaceship.

And It’s Not Just Apple in a Fancy Suit…

Apple CarPlay Ultra allows carmakers to custom-brand the interface. Aston Martin has gone full heritage mode with a unique layout: two classic circular dials flanking a central screen, sprinkled with details like “Handbuilt in Great Britain.” 

And if you are the kind of person who rearranges your apps for fun, you will love this: you can also customise widgets, themes, and layouts to suit your vibe. Minimalist tech bro? Old-school enthusiast? There’s a CarPlay face for everyone.

Where Can You Get It?

As of now, this swanky new system is only available in North America, specifically the United States and Canada. If you are ordering any of these Aston Martin models: DB12, Vantage, DBX, or even the upcoming Vanquish, congrats! You’ll be among the first to try CarPlay Ultra.

For existing owners (2023 onwards), software updates will start rolling out in June. But you will need an iPhone 12 or above, which should be running iOS 18.5 or above, to enjoy the update. 

Who’s Next in Line?

Apple says brands like Porsche, Lucid, Polestar, Ford, Lincoln, Volvo, Infiniti, Nissan, Jaguar, Acura, Honda, and more are waiting in the wings, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis also onboard. So expect the Apple treatment to hit more dashboards soon.

Of course, some premium marques like Mercedes-Benz are still giving CarPlay Ultra the side-eye, preferring to keep their ecosystems closed, especially since their MBUX is evolving and is quite intuitive to us!

ZigSays…

Apple CarPlay Ultra feels like Apple’s biggest flex yet in the automotive space. And Aston Martin, known for blending luxury with raw power, makes for the perfect launch partner. It’s not just about smarter cars anymore; it’s about immersive, seamless experiences that are as much about you as they are about the machine you are driving. 

Would you let Apple take over your car? Or are you still in the "just give me buttons and dials" camp?

Let us know in the comments and keep tuned to ZigWheels for more tech-meets-auto drops like this one!