“Does it have CarPlay?” It’s one of the first questions buyers ask—and for good reason. Modern infotainment systems often suffer from clunky interfaces, pushing drivers to rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to mirror their smartphones seamlessly. Since its 2014 debut, CarPlay has been confined to the center screen. But now, CarPlay Ultra transforms the entire dashboard—including the gauge cluster—into an Apple-dominated display.
Not everyone is on board, though.
Automaker Resistance: Who’s In and Who’s Out?
When Apple announced CarPlay Ultra in 2022, 14 automakers initially signed on. But some, like Audi, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz, have since backed out, while General Motors continues its outright rejection of CarPlay. On the other hand, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, and Aston Martin remain committed.
The conflict boils down to two key issues:
- Control Over User Experience – Automakers want to maintain their brand identity.
- Data Ownership – Car companies profit from driver data (insurance, advertising, etc.), and sharing it with Apple is a hard sell.
For smaller luxury brands like Aston Martin, adopting Ultra is a necessity—customers expect it. Larger manufacturers, however, can afford to resist.
Hands-On with CarPlay Ultra in the 2025 Aston Martin DBX
After testing Ultra in Aston’s 2025 DBX, here’s what stands out:
Setup & Compatibility
- Requires iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5.
- Initial setup uploads 50 MB of vehicle-specific graphics.
- Runs alongside the car’s native system, interfacing with ADAS, climate controls, radio, and drive modes.
How It Works
- Not a full infotainment replacement—it’s an overlay on Aston’s system.
- No deep vehicle integration (it doesn’t access the CAN bus).
- Apple’s UI dominates, but Aston retains some brand identity.
The Good
- Smooth, Intuitive Interface – Classic Apple simplicity.
- Customizable Gauge Cluster – Choose layouts, colors, and even full-screen Apple Maps navigation.
- Vehicle Controls in CarPlay – Adjust drive modes, suspension, and steering via the “Vehicle” menu.
The Bad
Wireless-Only (With Lag Risks) – Performance varied:
- Flawless on an iPhone 15 (Aston’s test device).
- Extremely laggy on an iPhone 13 Pro Max (even with iOS 18.5).
Early Bugs – Occasional glitches, though a phone-switching feature helps.
The Bigger Battle: Will CarPlay Ultra Win?
Aston’s system benefits from Ultra’s cleaner UI and improved usability, but the real test comes when it faces Hyundai and Porsche’s excellent native infotainment. With some automakers resisting, Ultra’s adoption remains uncertain.
For now, though, CarPlay Ultra is a major leap forward—assuming your phone can handle it.
