Apple CarPlay vs. CarPlay Ultra: Standard apps versus more vehicle control
CarPlay Ultra extends Apple's CarPlay to more vehicle systems, but it is limited to Aston Martins in the US and Canada.
The standard version was introduced in 2014 with iOS 7.1. Drivers connect an iPhone to the car by USB or wirelessly, and the dashboard screen displays a simplified iOS-like layout designed for use in a vehicle. The apps available through standard CarPlay are mainly focused on navigation, streaming and messaging, and they can be opened with a few taps or Siri requests. This allows drivers to play Apple Music or start a route in Maps without picking up the phone.
Standard CarPlay has limitations because it is not deeply integrated with the car's own system. Some native vehicle features that use the same screen, such as switching driving modes or adjusting climate control, may require the driver to exit CarPlay first, depending on the vehicle. That adds steps to common tasks.
CarPlay Ultra was teased by Apple in 2022 as an expansion of CarPlay across all screens in a car. Beyond showing apps, Ultra handles key vehicle information such as the speedometer and fuel gauge, and it allows those displays to be customized. It also integrates vehicle controls including air conditioning and radio, so the driver does not have to leave the CarPlay interface to adjust them. Engadget described the experience as feeling like a car system designed entirely by Apple.
Availability separates the two versions. Standard CarPlay is in more than 800 vehicle models. Although some automakers have been dropping CarPlay, it remains widely available in many vehicles, Engadget reported. CarPlay Ultra can currently be found only in luxury Aston Martins, and only in the US and Canada. Porsche teased support for CarPlay Ultra, but that support did not arrive. The reasons are unclear, though Engadget noted that car manufacturers may be reluctant to hand full control to Apple. CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later and works wirelessly only.
Apple has mentioned that CarPlay Ultra will eventually be available in more cars. Engadget reported that, based on what has been seen so far, the expansion appears likely to take even longer.