CarPlay Ultra: Apple Takes Over Your Dashboard & Car!

Apple just dropped its biggest CarPlay update in over a decade, and it's pretty wild. CarPlay Ultra doesn't mess around – it literally takes over the entire dashboard, from the center screen to the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The whole thing was demonstrated in a 2025 Aston Martin DBX, but here's the cool part: it'll work the same way in pretty much any car, regardless of how many screens there are or what they look like.

Your Dashboard Gets an Apple Makeover

The digital instrument cluster now sports that clean Apple aesthetic everyone knows and loves. There are different gauge styles to choose from – some look more traditional, others are super futuristic. Users can even customize colors and backgrounds, with more options likely coming down the road.

Some gauge displays include handy widgets showing everything from tire pressure to weather forecasts. Apple Maps can even go full-screen right behind the steering wheel.

No More App Jumping for Basic Controls

One of the biggest annoyances with regular CarPlay is having to exit the app just to adjust the air conditioning or change radio stations. CarPlay Ultra fixes that headache completely.

Climate controls are always accessible through a dock on the screen, and there's a dedicated Climate app for more detailed adjustments. Same goes for radio – no more bouncing between the car's built-in system and CarPlay just to find a different station.

Widgets Make the Jump from iPhone

iPhone users already know how useful widgets can be, and now they're available in CarPlay Ultra too. Just swipe right on the infotainment screen to access them. The setup includes two columns that scroll independently, so drivers can pick exactly which widgets they want to see. At launch, there are clocks, calendars, weather, and reminders, with more coming later.

A Fresh New Look

Some automakers are getting a completely redesigned CarPlay layout. Instead of the traditional column of recent apps on the left side, there's now an option for a bottom dock that'll feel familiar to Mac users or Tesla drivers. This new layout shows four recent apps instead of the usual three, plus climate controls.

Siri Gets Smarter

Since CarPlay Ultra can control most vehicle functions, Siri can handle them too. Simple requests like changing the temperature or switching radio stations are no problem. While Siri can't access owner's manuals directly, Apple says it can ask ChatGPT for car-related questions.

Where to Find It

Aston Martin is first out of the gate with CarPlay Ultra. The rollout continues with Acura, Audi, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault, and Volvo all planning to support it soon.

For anyone who's ever felt frustrated by the limitations of regular CarPlay, Ultra looks like it could be exactly what they've been waiting for.