Apple's CarPlay Ultra Is Here – Does Your iPhone Support It?
Apple's recently announced CarPlay Ultra promises a deeply integrated in-car experience, but not all iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the new feature.
According to Apple's press release, CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. This means if you're using an iPhone 11, iPhone XR, or any older model, you'll need to upgrade your device to access Apple's next-generation car integration.
The advanced system is kicking off its rollout with Aston Martin vehicles, and provides content for all the driver's screens, including real-time information in the instrument cluster alongside vehicle-specific data like tire pressure and advanced driver assistance systems.
CarPlay Ultra's sophisticated features offer deeper integration with vehicle systems all round, and will include customizable themes that match automakers' design philosophies, along with widget support, according to Apple.
Currently limited to Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, CarPlay Ultra will expand to more automakers in the coming months, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis already committed to supporting the platform. It will also be available for existing models that feature the brand's next-generation infotainment system via a software update in the coming weeks.
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Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly 10 months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change this year.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
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