Apple CarPlay Ultra expands to Kia, Hyundai; luxury brands divided

Apple's advanced in-car system, CarPlay Ultra, is set to broaden its reach beyond Aston Martin, with reports indicating that Kia, Genesis, and Hyundai will integrate the technology into their upcoming vehicle models. This expansion signals a significant move by Apple to deepen its integration with the automotive industry.

Aston Martin became the first manufacturer to feature CarPlay Ultra, which offers a more comprehensive connection between an iPhone and a vehicle's systems. Unlike standard CarPlay, Ultra extends its functionality beyond entertainment and navigation to include vehicle-specific information such as speed, fuel levels, and temperature. For example, in the Aston Martin DBX S, users can adjust climate controls and customize dashboard displays, including themes and driving modes, directly through the CarPlay Ultra interface.

According to reports, CarPlay Ultra is expected to appear in at least one major new model from Kia and Hyundai in the latter half of this year, with gradual adoption planned thereafter. Other manufacturers like Honda, Nissan, and Porsche are also reportedly considering or planning to implement the system. However, prominent luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi have stated they have no plans to adopt CarPlay Ultra, suggesting a divergence in strategy among automakers regarding Apple's integrated system.

The deeper integration offered by CarPlay Ultra allows for personalized driving experiences, enabling adjustments to various vehicle settings like exhaust sound, suspension, and steering. This level of connectivity underscores Apple's ambition to become a more central component of the in-car experience, moving beyond simple screen mirroring to a more holistic control and information hub.