For the 2025 model year, Aston Martin's user interface took a major step forward across the lineup, with improvements to the physical controls and digital infotainment, as well as updated gauge cluster layouts. However, the big news dropped in the spring, when Aston and Apple announced the launch of CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of Apple's nearly ubiquitous automotive operating system.
Ultra extends beyond the strictly “phone” functions of traditional CarPlay to now encompass more robust vehicular integration, including climate control, drive modes, and the entire gauge cluster readout. Running Ultra, therefore, requires a digital gauge cluster. So far, not many automakers other than Aston have signaled their intent to join the revolution: Kia/Hyundai/Genesis will adopt Ultra next, and Porsche may come after that.
Before future partnerships come to fruition, I spent a week with a DB12 Volante to test Ultra's use cases and conceptual failure points, most critically to discover whether this generational leap actually enhances or detracts from an otherwise stellar driving experience.
Setup
Michael Teo Van Runkle The following gallery will take you through the setup process. The following gallery will take you through the setup process. Michael Teo Van Runkle Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra setup screen A CarPlay Ultra setup screen Michael Teo Van Runkle Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra data collection notification screen A CarPlay Ultra data collection notification screen Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra setup screen Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra data collection notification screen Michael Teo Van Runkle Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra data usage screen Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra data sharing screen Michael Teo Van Runkle A CarPlay Ultra setup screen Michael Teo Van Runkle CarPlay Ultra setup, continued Michael Teo Van Runkle CarPlay Ultra setup, continued Michael Teo Van Runkle CarPlay Ultra legal terms CarPlay Ultra legal terms, continued Michael Teo Van Runkle CarPlay Ultra setup, continued Michael Teo Van Runkle CarPlay Ultra setup, continued
Connecting to Ultra via Bluetooth takes a minute or two longer than traditional CarPlay and includes more consent screens to cover the additional legal ramifications of the operating system sharing data with the car, and vice versa. Apple restricts this data to multimedia info, plus real-time speed and engine status, vehicle lights, and similar functions. Specifically, neither the iPhone nor third-party apps store any vehicle data after disconnecting from the car, and the car doesn't keep personal data once the iPhone disconnects, either.
What about Siri? I generally keep Siri turned off so that accidental “Hey, Siri” activations don't constantly interrupt my life—but by pushing the DB12's steering wheel button, I could test simple tasks that went just about as well as typical for Siri (read: don't expect much “Apple Intelligence” quite yet). Standard Siri data sharing with Apple therefore applies when used with Ultra.