Apple finally launches next-gen ‘CarPlay Ultra’ software, starting with Aston Martin

Apple’s next-generation version of its popular CarPlay infotainment software is finally launching three years after it was first announced. The company said Thursday that this new version of CarPlay — now known as “CarPlay Ultra” — will start rolling out on new Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, roughly half a year late. While still powered (wirelessly) by an iPhone, CarPlay Ultra takes over both the main infotainment screen as well as the digital dashboard in front of the driver, and is more deeply integrated with the vehicle’s systems. That means the new CarPlay software will display things like the vehicle’s speed, fuel mileage, trip info, and water temperature. CarPlay Ultra will also be able to control certain vehicle settings — provided drivers have an iPhone 12 or later running at least iOS 18.5. Meanwhile, certain functions like backup cameras will still be able to “punch through” the CarPlay UI. Apple said some existing and compatible Aston Martin vehicles will ... Read full article.