Together with the announcement of iOS 16 on WWDC 2022, Apple had already announced the new generation of CarPlay. The company already announced that the first car manufacturers could add the newest generation CarPlay to their systems at the end of 2023.
As everything in the car world is going to implement slowly. This week Apple was finally able to announce the first cars with CarPlay Ultra (new name). For CarPlay Ultra, Apple has renewed the entire user interface and has received the system support for cluster screens (all digital screens) that are present in the car.
CarPlay Ultra
The new version of CarPlay can communicate with the vehicle systems and can therefore display driving information on all screens. This includes the speed, tachometer, etc. In addition, it is possible to operate the audio and air conditioning system via CarPlay, and Siri can also be used.
CarPlay can be optimized for each vehicle with brand specific options and supports the unique screen shapes and layouts that can now be found in new cars. This turns the dashboard into a digital Apple screen.
Available from 2025
The first cars with the support for the next generation CarPlay are expected in 2025 and were announced last year. Porsche and Aston Martin have revealed how CarPlay Ultra is integrated into their cars.
This is special because car manufacturers can give their own twist to the interface with the new generation of CarPlay, so that it fits better with the design of the car.
In 2025 Aston Martin DB12 and Porsche Cayenne will be the first to get CarPlay Ultra. CarPlay takes over almost all screens from the car. This way you can easily operate climate control, radio and lighting in the vehicle via CarPlay or Siri.
Differences CarPlay Ultra and regular CarPlay
CarPlay Ultra is an advanced version of CarPlay and is not a replacement for the current system. Apple will continue to provide both systems with updates. For CarPlay Ultra, Apple works closely with the manufacturers so that the system is seamlessly integrated. This changes the full dashboard of the car to a large digital Apple screen. The iPhone remains crucial for both systems and only work if your iPhone is connected to the car.
The next generation CarPlay
During the WWDC 2022, Apple showed a list of manufacturers that will support the new CarPlay. This list shows: Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Landrover, Nissan, Ford, Jaguar, Volvo, Honda, Polestar and Renault. Other brands will undoubtedly follow later, as Kia has already announced that they are interested in the new system.