Apple CarPlay Ultra is finally out in cars, but in one car brand.
Apple CarPlay Ultra, which was long on the waitlist of many tech and car enthusiasts, is finally out now. But here’s a catch: it is not available for all cars. Only the Aston Martin car series, namely DBX, is getting the CarPlay Ultra infotainment system.
This news comes with a hope for Apple fans, and it’s safer to say that more cars will be added to the roster. Scroll down to check the design and other details for CarPlay Ultra by Apple.
Apple CarPlay Ultra: new details
This device aims to set a new milestone in terms of car infotainment systems. Apple is aiming to change the interaction of the driver with the car with their new Ultra system.
Starting off, we get Full dashboard integration, which allows you to get features like map navigation, weather, information system, and entertainment on one single screen.
Next, we get all direct vehicle controls on the same screen. This includes Climate control, driving modes, along seat heating; everything is included in the Ultra CarPlay.
Also, the Car software is merged and displayed with the CarPlay, which includes all the functions for which you don’t need to exit the Apple UI.
Design of Apple CarPlay Ultra
The design tries to keep the device uniform but also gives it customization for every other car out there. Right now, we have only seen the CarPlay Ultra on the Aston Martin vehicle orders.
Apple gives a UI toolkit for the Car companies to improve and mold the design to fit the style of their cars. Aston Martins have this sleek racing and luxury design feel. We can get a much more minimalistic and stylish UI for other cars.
This raises a question of whether Apple allows extreme customisation or all of the cars will have the same kind of user interface. While brands want to use the expertise of apple with electronic devices, they are also conscious about their own branding.
Availability and Compatibility
Apple CarPlay Ultra, though announced years back, has been released now and in a single car DBX. Other motorcar companies to include CarPlay Ultra are Genesis, Kia, Hyundai, and Porsche. Although these cars were in talks, only Aston Martin has released the footage for it.
The device is said to be compatible with devices running iOS 18.5, so you need at least an iPhone 12 or a subsequent model. Also, this is going to be available to all cars in the world within the next year.
Privacy and concerns
Apple has said that it will implement a strict privacy policy. This will include vehicle data and location processed on the device and not on the cloud. Hence, it will require user permission to share data. With scheduled security patches to keep the device secure.
Android Rivalry
Android Auto is already the biggest rival of Apple CarPlay, with a business share of more than 30%, it shadows over Apple. The rival has much better third-party support for the apps than Apple CarPlay Ultra. While you can just use Apple Maps and other Apple-only services, Android Auto gives you a much wider range of apps. With its own native Google Maps and other applications, you can also run third-party applications and everything an Android device can.
Future of Apple CarPlay ultra
As Apple has already said that they are going to put out CarPlay Ultra for every other car within the next year. Which will increase demand for the CarPlay. Already, many people go for cars with either Android Auto or CarPlay. Apple has to make sure that its device keeps the brand’s prestige intact. While allowing car manufacturers to customize the device for their own usage.
Vdi
Apple CarPlay Ultra is an interesting advancement in car infotainment devices. While it may have launched only for the Aston Martin, many other companies are following suit. The device looks sleek and complements the aesthetic of Aston Martin vehicles. With Apple promoting in-device computation for data and a no-cloud scenario, privacy is upheld. We cannot wait to see the Ultra CarPlay on other devices as well. Stay tuned for more updates on the infotainment devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Right now, only Aston Martin, Porsche, Genesis, and Hyundai have CarPlay, but soon all other cars will get CarPlay.
Netflix is not part of CarPlay Ultra for now, but you can play Apple TV and YouTube.
Yes, Honda will support CarPlay Ultra next year.
Mirroring phone is likely to be a feature for CarPlay Ultra.
Yes, Ultra CarPlay includes GPS for navigation.
Yes, CarPlay Ultra allows you to handle calls.
