Apple CarPlay Ultra is here – smarter, more integrated and more “Apple” than ever. With this upgrade, your smartphone doesn’t just mirror your screen, it sneaks into the very heart of your car. A new era of automotive user interfaces is dawning.
Once upon a time, CarPlay was just a mirror of your iPhone, a friendly companion for navigating and playing podcasts. Today? Today is Apple CarPlay Ultra – and not only does it do all this better, it can now also take over the dashboard, arrange speed and fuel information with minimalist elegance, and even greet you with a classic “hello” as if you had just opened a new iPadGet ready for your car to finally start thinking like Apple.
What is CarPlay Ultra anyway?
Unlike previous versions, CarPlay Ultra is no longer just a “guest” in your vehicle—it’s now the operating system for the entire cabin. It’s designed to blend seamlessly with your car’s hardware, taking full control of all your displays. Digital speedometers? Climate interface? Audio controls? All in one, all in Cupertino style.
Main features you need to know
1. Entire cabin in Apple style
CarPlay Ultra stretches across all displays in the car – from the main infotainment system to the instrument cluster. All information is displayed with the signature Apple aesthetic: clean fonts, smooth transitions, thoughtful color contrasts. It looks as if Apple actually built the car – without the need for physical buttons, although they are still optionally useful.
2. Customizable gauges and real-time information
Instead of a static speedometer and odometer, Apple CarPlay Ultra lets you switch between different gauge “themes”—from retro circular dials to futuristic horizontal graphs. It also displays information about tire pressure, fuel economy, driving style, and more, all within a single, transparent platform.
3. Full integration of driving functions
You no longer need to leave the Apple CarPlay Ultra environment to adjust the cabin temperature or turn on the heated seats. All of this – and more – is now built into the system. You can control it via the screen, physical buttons (if your car still has them) or simply by voice command via Siri.
4. “Punch-through” UI – when CarPlay gives way to the home system
Some features, such as advanced audio settings in vehicles with better audio systems, remain visually separate and retain the automaker's original design—Apple calls this a "punch-through UI." This also leaves room for the car brand's identity.
5. Smartly localized
Plug in your iPhone abroad, and CarPlay Ultra will recognize where you’re coming from—and adjust units of measurement and even spelling in apps accordingly. British in California? Fahrenheit automatically converts to Celsius. Siri becomes your travel interpreter.
What do you need for the future?
If you're dreaming of CarPlay Ultra, you'll need a car with a digital instrument cluster and support for the new system. And of course, an iPhone 12 or later and iOS 18.4 or later. It all works wirelessly—which means it's time to retire your iPhone X if you're still grumbling about the slow Lightning cable.
Conclusion: CarPlay Ultra – someday in your car
CarPlay Ultra isn’t just an update—it’s a redefinition of the in-car interface. With its ability to take over your entire car while maintaining a simple, elegant user experience, it represents the future of connected driving. If your car is already a computer on wheels, CarPlay Ultra is now its operating system. Next stop? Maybe the Apple Car. But until then—an iPhone behind the wheel will do.
