Apple Unveils Its CarPlay Ultra in Aston Martin — And It’s Absolutely Gorgeous

Apple has officially introduced its latest version of CarPlay, named CarPlay Ultra — but currently, it is exclusively available in Aston Martin cars. Although most of us might not have the chance to drive one anytime soon, you can still catch a glimpse of the innovative interface through a couple of recently released videos.

Aston Martin has released a teaser video displaying CarPlay Ultra in action within a DBX SUV. The first thing that stands out is the deep integration of Apple’s interface — found not only on the central infotainment display but also within the driver’s instrument panel. This represents a notable advancement from the standard CarPlay experience, which usually only occupies the central screen.

For a deeper exploration, Top Gear has shared an 18-minute video walkthrough of the system in an actual Aston Martin, starting at approximately $250,000. The footage illustrates how CarPlay Ultra essentially takes command of the vehicle’s infotainment system. From climate management to navigation, and even the speedometer, Apple’s distinctive design ethos is present throughout.

CarPlay Ultra also presents a variety of customization possibilities. Users can select from multiple themes, including the option to replace the conventional round speedometer with a sleek, modern display featuring colorful lines that indicate speed and fuel levels. Widgets can also be added, mirroring the functionality of an iPhone or iPad, for easy access to essential information.

A particularly useful feature is that once the system is configured, it doesn’t require ongoing adjustments — just jump in and drive. Still, some functionalities depend on your iPhone being connected to the system.

While elements of Aston Martin’s design identity persist, the overall experience is distinctly Apple — polished, user-friendly, and significantly more sophisticated than many manufacturers’ built-in systems. For now, CarPlay Ultra is exclusive to Aston Martin, but let’s hope that other carmakers embrace it soon. The future of vehicle infotainment has arrived — and it resembles your iPhone quite closely.