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Apple CarPlay Ultra: Confirmed Cars, Brands and iPhone Requirements

Aston Martin is the first announced CarPlay Ultra manufacturer, with the DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish named. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are committed brands, but their models and launch dates have not been specified.
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Apple’s next-generation CarPlay is called CarPlay Ultra. As of October 4, 2026, Aston Martin is the only manufacturer in the available official announcements with a launched implementation and named vehicles: the DBX, Vantage, DB12 and Vanquish. Apple has also identified Hyundai, Kia and Genesis as committed brands, but has not named their supported models or launch dates. Eligibility depends on the particular car and market—not just whether a vehicle supports ordinary CarPlay.

Which cars have CarPlay Ultra?

Aston Martin launched CarPlay Ultra first, with availability announced for new vehicle orders in the United States and Canada on May 15, 2025. Its launch announcement named four models in its core range:

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  • Aston Martin DBX
  • Aston Martin Vantage
  • Aston Martin DB12
  • Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin says availability across the core range is subject to vehicle model and market. That does not establish that every model year, trim, used vehicle or car sold in every country is eligible. Check the vehicle’s specification or ask a local Aston Martin dealer to confirm eligibility for its VIN and whether an update is available. Aston Martin’s launch release and its current CarPlay Ultra overview set out the qualifications.

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Which other manufacturers are confirmed?

Apple’s May 15, 2025 announcement named Hyundai, Kia and Genesis as newly committed brands. That confirms an announced commitment, not that a specific car is already on sale with Ultra: Apple did not give supported models or launch dates for those brands in that announcement. Wait for model-specific information from Apple or the automaker before treating a vehicle as compatible. Apple’s announcement

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A longer list of automakers appeared in Apple’s 2022 next-generation CarPlay preview. It included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Renault and Volvo. That historical preview is not evidence that a production car from any of those brands currently supports CarPlay Ultra. MacRumors’ report on the announced automaker commitments

What makes CarPlay Ultra different from regular CarPlay?

Regular CarPlay brings iPhone apps and features to a vehicle’s infotainment display. CarPlay Ultra is a deeper integration: Apple says it can extend to all driver screens, including the instrument cluster, and combine iPhone content with vehicle information. Depending on the car, displays may include gauges such as speed, tachometer, fuel and temperature alongside maps, media, driver-assistance information or tire pressure.

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Ultra can also offer vehicle controls through the touchscreen, physical controls or Siri, as well as widgets and automaker-designed themes. The specific functions vary by manufacturer. In Aston Martin’s implementation, the company describes options including heating and ventilation, camera views, parking systems, audio settings, vehicle configurations and active-safety controls. Those examples should not be assumed to apply to other brands. Apple’s feature description · Aston Martin’s implementation details

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Does ordinary CarPlay compatibility mean a car supports Ultra?

No. Apple’s CarPlay available-model list covers standard CarPlay compatibility; it is not an Ultra-specific vehicle list. A car’s ability to run ordinary CarPlay—or to receive a regular CarPlay retrofit—does not establish Ultra support. For example, Porsche’s 2026 PCCM Plus announcement concerns wireless ordinary CarPlay retrofits for certain older 911, Cayman and Boxster models, not CarPlay Ultra. Porsche’s PCCM Plus announcement

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What iPhone and software are required?

Apple states that CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This phone requirement is separate from the vehicle requirement: a compatible iPhone cannot add Ultra to a car whose hardware or software is not eligible. Apple’s compatibility statement

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How to check a specific car

  1. Identify the exact vehicle. Note its make, model, model year, trim and infotainment system; a model name alone may not establish eligibility.
  2. Look for an Ultra-specific statement. Check the automaker’s official information for that exact vehicle. Do not use Apple’s general CarPlay list as proof of Ultra compatibility.
  3. Confirm country and update status. Ask the local dealer whether the vehicle qualifies in your market and whether Ultra is factory-installed or available through an update. For Aston Martin, request confirmation against the VIN.
  4. Check your iPhone separately. It must be an iPhone 12 or later with iOS 18.5 or later.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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