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These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra
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I don't think folks really understand what an ENORMOUS undertaking it would be.
It has so many facets to it that are way outside any Apple core competencies.
We may as well suggest Apple start making airliners and competing with Boeing for military contracts.
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 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 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:
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.
- Acura
- Audi
- Ford
- Honda
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Renault
- 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
Will Offer CarPlay Ultra
- Aston Martin
Won't Offer CarPlay Ultra
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Genesis
- Porsche
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.
- Audi
- BMW
- Ford
- Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz
- Polestar
- Renault
- Rivian
- Volvo
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
No Rolls-Royce?!
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 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 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:
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.
- Acura
- Audi
- Ford
- Honda
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Polestar
- Porsche
- Renault
- 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
Will Offer CarPlay Ultra
- Aston Martin
Won't Offer CarPlay Ultra
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Genesis
- Porsche
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.
- Audi
- BMW
- Ford
- Lincoln
- Mercedes-Benz
- Polestar
- Renault
- Rivian
- Volvo
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
At the very least allow typing when your foot is on the brake when stopped at a red light.
The problem I have with manufacturers systems, a learning experience for each manufacturer and model. Two cars in the garage. Different manufacturers or models, two different systems. Nuts comes to mind. The big win for CarPlay.
Right. So idiots on their phone can sit at the green light finishing their latest OMG!!!! post.
Really wish BYD (my next car) would go down the CarPlay ultra route - wireless CarPlay is a minimum in any new car for me and I will progressively replace the head units in my family's cars with CarPlay compatible units. So much easier to use, better connectivity and fewer distractions.
What stops Apple from making cars if Huawei and Xiaomi can?
All of the employees and money they have is for solving challenges. If Apple is contend with what they can do, developing iPhone is out of their reach.
The question is whether the product makes sense to fit into the ecosystem, and then figure out ways to build it.
It really is pretty simple. Most all major car makers won't surrender their GUI.
Google knew that a long time ago and introduced Google Built-In which has captured most of the mass market cars already and doesn't interfere with the vehicles GUI. it only provides the infotainment function with hooks to allow for the vehicle to tap into it where it makes sense.
Apple needs to focus on integrating their services (iCloud, contacts, messages, Music, TV+ etc...) into existing auto systems to promote and provide incentives for consumers to join Apple's ecosystem..
Google knew that a long time ago and introduced Google Built-In which has captured most of the mass market cars already and doesn't interfere with the vehicles GUI. it only provides the infotainment function with hooks to allow for the vehicle to tap into it where it makes sense.
Apple needs to focus on integrating their services (iCloud, contacts, messages, Music, TV+ etc...) into existing auto systems to promote and provide incentives for consumers to join Apple's ecosystem..
Android Automotive fully supports Apple CarPlay. Maybe not CarPlay Ultra, but there is no barrier to Apple CarPlay functionality.
Good thought but I already tried that and it doesn't on mine.
Exactly.🔥What in the holy hell is the point of this? Car Play, Android Auto, it makes sense where they are and what they do. But what is the point of Apple creeping over the speedometer? New cars already have begun to use maps between the speedometer or in the HUD, so really, what the hell is the point of this? Am I missing something?
If I were a car maker I'll tell Apple to stay in that little rectangle we gave you or piss off. Why would you spend time and money making sure Apple's speedometers are compatible in your car? You still have to make a main system for everyone that doesn't have an iPhone. Apple is just trying to double the work and give car manufacturers a reason to charge us more money. Just stop with this e********ation already.🔥
And as much as I love my Apple devices, and ability to use CarPlay for navigation and music, I do not want Apple to dictate my “in-car experience”. I like the car company to be the one that owns that.
That always will be a core competitive measure for all auto mfgs. Every car has had unique vehicle control interfaces long before electronics came onto the scene.
Car makers ruthlessly guard their design strategies for GUI's now just as they did with their dashboards for the last 100 years...
Some are good , some are lousy but that is a key point of competition and differentiation. You make your vehicle selection in part on your preference in these areas.
I'm really tired of people thinking CarPlay Ultra is mandatory to use if the car supports it. It is an OPTION. If you don't want to use it, you don't have to, exactly like CarPlay. But taking away the option seems to make you happy.
As for making areas of CarPlay "clickable", you can already- well, I can using the BMW's iDrive Controller
As for making areas of CarPlay "clickable", you can already- well, I can using the BMW's iDrive Controller
Toyota will 100% not integrate CPU … it took them a decade past the industry to finally support CP … sad too as I’m an avid Toyota fanboy
The ROI is probably too small. Apple is all about high margins and cars generally aren't.
Cars have some unique challenges not seen in the current model. Cars need showrooms, repair systems, you can't just have the user mail the defective device in and repair or cross ship a replacement, and present liabilities beyond those of a phone or PC.
Low margin products don't make sense in Apple's ecosystem, and thus not worth investigating to figure them out.
That's funny, my 2023 CX5 instrument cluster is straight out of 2016....and don't get me started on their infotainment system.
