The world of car infotainment systems is on the verge of a new era with the upcoming arrival of Apple CarPlay Ultra. Although the official name "Ultra" has not been confirmed by Apple, the media and experts are using the term to describe the next generation of CarPlay, which promises to completely change the way we interact with our cars. Forget about traditional CarPlay, which simply mirrors the screen of your iPhone – CarPlay Ultra is here to deeply integrate your digital life into the very core of the car.
Beyond mirroring: Full integration
The current CarPlay is already known and loved by millions of users for its ease of use and familiar interface. It allows drivers to use basic iPhone functions such as navigation, music, messages and calls directly from the car screen. CarPlay Ultra goes much further. Instead of simply looking at content from your phone, the new system will integrate with the car’s onboard systems at a fundamental level.
This means that CarPlay Ultra will be able to control and display information from:
Dashboard: Speed, RPM, fuel/battery level, engine temperature – all vital driving information will be presented in Apple’s familiar and elegant design.
Climate system: Control temperature, airflow and other settings directly from the CarPlay interface.
Radio and multimedia: Deeper integration with the car’s built-in radio tuners and media players.
Car settings: Potentially access specific car settings, such as driving modes, lighting settings and more.
All of this will be presented through a single, personalized and intuitive environment that will span across all screens in the cabin – from the central touchscreen to the digital instrument cluster and even possibly additional screens for passengers.
Aesthetics and customization
Apple is known for its sophisticated design and attention to detail, and CarPlay Ultra will be no exception. The system is expected to offer unprecedented possibilities for personalizing the visual interface. Drivers will be able to choose from different dashboard layouts, color schemes, fonts and even widgets to create a unique and enjoyable environment.
This is not just a cosmetic change. Apple's familiar user experience will bring an extremely intuitive and easy-to-use interaction, reducing driver distraction and increasing safety.
First steps and the future
The first automakers to announce support for the next generation of CarPlay (which will likely be CarPlay Ultra) are Aston Martin and Porsche. This shows that Apple is initially targeting the premium segment, where consumers value high technology and sophisticated design.
Although a specific date for widespread distribution has not yet been announced, the first cars with this deep integration are expected to appear on the market in 2025.
CarPlay Ultra is not just an update; it is a strategic move by Apple to position itself as a major player in the car software ecosystem. With this system, Apple aims to offer a more complete, secure and personalized driving experience that will change the perception of what the interior of a modern car can be. The future of the connected car looks increasingly integrated and Apple-centric.