After years of anticipation and a couple of missed deadlines, Apple has officially launched CarPlay Ultra, its next-generation in-car infotainment system. The debut comes via a partnership with Aston Martin, making the luxury automaker the first to offer the immersive Apple experience across all driver-facing screens. Starting today, CarPlay Ultra is available in new Aston Martin vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada, with a software update for compatible 2023 models arriving in June.

CarPlay Ultra represents a significant evolution from the original CarPlay, which primarily mirrored select iPhone apps onto a car’s central infotainment screen. This new system extends across the entire dashboard, including the instrument cluster, allowing for a more integrated and customizable driving experience. Drivers can now manage vehicle functions such as climate control and radio through touchscreen, physical buttons, or Siri voice commands.

The system also introduces widgets powered by the iPhone, providing real-time information like navigation, media playback, and vehicle diagnostics directly within the car’s native interface. These widgets adapt to the car’s screen layout and design language, offering a cohesive look and feel.

Aston Martin’s latest models—the DBX SUV, Vanquish, Vantage, and DB12—are the first to feature CarPlay Ultra. The integration is tailored to reflect Aston Martin’s design aesthetics, providing a bespoke user experience. Existing owners of 2023 models equipped with the latest infotainment system will receive access to CarPlay Ultra through a software update in the coming weeks.

To utilize CarPlay Ultra, drivers will need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or later.

While Aston Martin leads the rollout, other automakers are preparing to adopt CarPlay Ultra. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have confirmed plans to integrate the system into future models. Previously announced partners like Porsche, Audi, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo are also expected to support CarPlay Ultra, though specific timelines have not been disclosed.

Apple emphasizes that CarPlay Ultra is designed to reflect each automaker’s unique brand identity, allowing for a customizable interface that aligns with the vehicle’s overall design.

CarPlay Ultra marks a significant step forward in integrating smartphone functionality with vehicle systems. By offering a more immersive and customizable interface, Apple aims to enhance the driving experience, making it smarter and more intuitive. As more automakers adopt CarPlay Ultra, drivers can look forward to a future where their car’s dashboard seamlessly integrates with their digital lives.