Apple has done it again. The company has hit the table in the automotive world with Carplay Ultraits renewed vehicle system that has seen the light in style in a Aston Martin. The first public test has made it clear that this is not a simple update, but a total reinvention of the digital driving experience. And yes, it is so fluid, intuitive and deeply integrated that some manufacturers are already trembling.
The magic begins as soon as the car is turned on. Unlike the previous version of Carplay, this new edition not only appears on the central screen, since it is deployed throughout the dashboard, even occupying the instrument panel. The speedometer, the fuel level, navigation and even air conditioning control become part of a designed system, visually and functionally, by Apple. The result is an experience cohesive and minimalistin which everything is where you expect and respond as it should. As if the car was directly an iPhone accessory.
Ultra Carplay News
But this extreme integration has not sitting good. In the words of the Mercedes-Benz CEO, Ola Källenius, “no other company should have total control over the screens of our cars.” And it is that Apple with this new version of the software, Apple leaves the manufacturer in the background. We also tell you how to connect the iPhone without cables to the car in this article.
To calm the spirits, Apple has introduced a customizable template system that allow each brand to adapt the aesthetics of the system to its identity with colors, typefaces, distribution of elements and more. In the test by Top Gear, the Aston Martin It retained its distinctive features, such as the dark green color, digitized analog accountants and a clear brand presence. But the base was still Apple, and it showed.
Beyond design, Carplay Ultra takes an important technical leap. It works completely wireless, although you can use cable if you prefer, and connect in seconds. You just need one iphone 12 or higher with iOS 18.4 at least. The first time a brief configuration is required, but from there the car and the phone are understood alone.
The main screen maintains the family structure of Carplay, but now includes vehicle controls that were only in the native manufacturer's system. The air conditioning, for example, is controlled from Carplay without having to get out of the interface. Elements such as engine response, suspension or escape volume can also be modified. All with the clean and accessible style that Apple knows how to apply better than anyone.
One of the most prominent points is the fusion between car information and iPhone services. Speed, autonomy, tire pressure, navigation with Apple Maps, Apple Music, calls, messages and more. Everything flows in a single environment. Even the back camera is integrated thanks to what Apple calls “Punch-Through UI”, where the original car system is shown but incorporated into the Carplay universe.
As for customization, drivers can change the visual style of Carplay, applying topics that completely modify the aspect of the instrument frame and the central screen. All without sacrificing functionality.
Are manufacturers prepared to give up the steering wheel to Apple? Everything indicates that some do not. But if Carplay Ultra continues to demonstrate this level of excellence, the public may not give them another option.
