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These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra

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Earlier this year, Apple finally launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. However, now nearly five months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to just one luxury vehicle brand.

CarPlay-Ultra-Aston-Martin.jpg

CarPlay Ultra features deeper integration with a vehicle's instrument cluster and systems, built-in apps for radio and climate controls, rear-view camera feed support, and more. The connected iPhone provides app-related data, while the vehicle provides information like the current speed, fuel level, tire pressure, engine temperature, and more.

The interface is tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's identity, and drivers can choose from various preset design options.

CarPlay-Ultra-Climate-Controls.jpg

CarPlay Ultra is currently limited to newer Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. Fortunately, if you cannot afford a $250,000 luxury vehicle, the software system will eventually be available in more affordable vehicles.

In May, Apple said many other automakers planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. At the time, it said CarPlay Ultra would begin expanding to more vehicles around the world "in the next 12 months," which would be by May 2026.

Apple first previewed the next generation ‌of CarPlay‌ all the way back at WWDC 2022, and at the time it shared a long list of automakers that were committed to offering the software system. The list is more than three years old, and it is not entirely accurate anymore.

The list was as follows:
  • Acura
  • Audi
  • Ford
  • Honda
  • Infiniti
  • Jaguar
  • Land Rover
  • Lincoln
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Nissan
  • Polestar
  • Porsche
  • Renault
  • Volvo
According to a previous report from the Financial Times, there are at least five automakers on that list that have since confirmed that they have no plans to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo.

BMW, Ford, and Rivian also publicly backed away from CarPlay Ultra, but Porsche seemed to remain committed to offering it eventually.

That likely rules out Ford's luxury brand, Lincoln, too.

All in all, here is where things stand currently.

Currently Offers CarPlay Ultra
  • Aston Martin
Will Offer CarPlay Ultra
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Genesis
  • Porsche
Won't Offer CarPlay Ultra
  • Audi
  • BMW
  • Ford
  • Lincoln
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Polestar
  • Renault
  • Rivian
  • Volvo
General Motors controversially ditched the regular version of CarPlay in its new electric vehicles, so it is likely to pass on CarPlay Ultra too. That means vehicles from brands like Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC are unlikely to offer CarPlay Ultra.

It is extremely unlikely that software-focused Tesla would offer CarPlay Ultra either.

Unclear
  • Honda
  • Acura
  • Toyota
  • Lexus
  • Nissan
  • Infiniti
  • Mazda
  • Subaru
  • Mitsubishi
  • Jaguar
  • Land Rover
  • Chrysler
  • Dodge
  • Jeep
  • RAM
  • Volkswagen

Article Link: These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/10/09/carplay-ultra-committed-automakers-list/
Last edited:
I would like Apple to actually design an interface that you can use comfortably while driving. Why restrict clickable area to small buttons when you have extra screen space? Why not have everything clickable- click an album cover- see all the songs. Click a musician name- see all the albums. Green area- unused space for potentially taller buttons:
Screenshot 2025-10-09 at 8.25.16 AM.png
 
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The new Prelude would've been a good place for Honda to launch CarPlay Ultra, but it appears they've gone with Google built-in for their line. Haven't spent too much time in a modern Honda but it seems pretty good from my limited experience.
 
Volvo and Polestar have a serious software problem right now. I suspect the reason they have dropped plans for this is because they can't even get the basic functions of their new platform operating correctly after over a year and have had to publicly apologize.
 
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I think the 2017 Honda Accord was the last year they offered the Accord as a coupe, and the first year they offered the Accord with CarPlay. Such a shame that was a year of transition for them. They should bring the coupe back with ultra or I may look to other brands entirely.
 
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ProbablyDylan said:
The new Prelude would've been a good place for Honda to launch CarPlay Ultra, but it appears they've gone with Google built-in for their line. Haven't spent too much time in a modern Honda but it seems pretty good from my limited experience.
Click to expand...
Just bought my wife a 2026 crv sport touring hybrid. As an apple person I like the google auto software. Spiuse is a google maps person so integrating Google Maps nav with her google account works for her.
 
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iansilv said:
I would like Apple to actually design an interface that you can use comfortably while driving. Why restrict clickable area to small buttons when you have extra screen space? Why not have everything clickable- click an album cover- see all the songs. Click a musician name- see all the albums. Green area- unused space for potentially taller buttons:View attachment 2565851
Click to expand...
Everything should be customized but Apple restricts everything! This is where Android excels over Apple.
 
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Volvo and polestar are the same company.

The screen is built on Android. Whilst it’s perfectly usable it requires at least three screen presses to open CarPlay.

I suspect that is part of Google’s licensing conditions
 
MacRumors said:
Will Offer CarPlay Ultra
  • Hyundai
  • Kia
  • Genesis
  • Porsche
Click to expand...

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are effectively all the same company.


transpo1 said:
Too bad if Honda and Toyota won't offer it. Looks like I'll be buying a Hyundai in a few years! :D
Click to expand...
I haven't been follwing Honda, but I'm 99% sure Toyota won't offer CarPlay Ultra. Mind you I have little interest in CarPlay Ultra. Wireless CarPlay is a big selling point for me, but CarPlay Ultra definitely is not.
 
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Iconoclysm said:
Volvo and Polestar have a serious software problem right now. I suspect the reason they have dropped plans for this is because they can't even get the basic functions of their new platform operating correctly after over a year and have had to publicly apologize.
Click to expand...
Their new platform is Android!!! 🤖
 
ForkHandles said:
Their new platform is Android!!! 🤖
Click to expand...
Android Automotive is not the same thing as Android Auto.

Apple CarPlay is analogous to Android Auto, but Android Automotive is a completely different kettle of fish. Furthermore, CarPlay Ultra is not really analogous to Android Automotive either. BTW, you can run CarPlay on Android Automotive.
 
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EugW said:
Android Auto is analogous to Apple CarPlay, but Android Automotive is a completely different kettle of fish. Furthermore, CarPlay Ultra is not analogous to Android Automotive either. BTW, you can run CarPlay on Android Automotive.
Click to expand...

I love Google's nonsense software naming. How does Google Built-In factor into all of this?

Can one have Android Auto on Android Automotive with Google Built-In?
 
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iansilv said:
Why not have everything clickable- click an album cover- see all the songs. Click a musician name- see all the albums. Green area- unused space for potentially taller buttons:
Click to expand...
Have you used it? Your example is not the best I think. The space is used for other information, but is not always visible, and you also removed the last opened app as well. The space is also not so large, but it also depends on the size of the display. But on the other hand, more things could be probably clickable, but not everything, inadvertently clicking something is even worse.
 
For me, as long as a car offers CarPlay I'm happy. Having a consistent interface car to car is what I value. YMMV
 
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Superhai said:
Have you used it? Your example is not the best I think. The space is used for other information, but is not always visible, and you also removed the last opened app as well. The space is also not so large, but it also depends on the size of the display. But on the other hand, more things could be probably clickable, but not everything, inadvertently clicking something is even worse.
Click to expand...
I do appreciate a clean interface, but I also think there should be more optimization of space usage on CarPlay. This likely takes both the car manufacturer and Apple working together to better to ensure this works optimally but it does illustrate more work needs to be done with CarPlay.

For example, on my CarPlay screen, why are there only 3 icons on the left side and not 4? That extra space is never used.

IMG_0112.PNG
 
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ProbablyDylan said:
I love Google's nonsense software naming. How does Google Built-In factor into all of this?

Can one have Android Auto on Android Automotive with Google Built-In?
Click to expand...
I also hate Google's naming nonsense, but yes, you can.

The Cadillac Lyriq use Android Automotive as the main software for the car, but it can also mirror your phone with Android Auto or CarPlay. The Cadillac Lyriq came out before the Chevy Blazer EV, which was the cut off point for GM EV's using CarPlay and Android Auto, so the Lyriq still has CarPlay.

If you're not interested in an EV, all of GM's new ICE cars are also using Android Automotive and are compatible with Android Auto and CarPlay.
 
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