Apple is giving CarPlay a major upgrade. Here's when it'll be available and which brands are getting it first

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• Apple CarPlay's next generation is launching with Aston Martin.
• CarPlay Ultra will be available for other brands worldwide within the next 12 months.
• The software upgrade gives drivers access to more iPhone features via their vehicle's screens and Siri voice assistant.

Apple CarPlay is used by thousands of American drivers who prefer their phone's apps over the built-in apps of their car's infotainment system. Now it's getting a major upgrade as Apple introduces CarPlay Ultra.

The software platform integrates an iPhone's capabilities into a vehicle's system, allowing drivers to use both smartphone and vehicle features. It effectively makes vehicles more user-friendly, changing the driving and ownership experience completely.

In a world dominated by screens, a car's infotainment system has become its focal point. Apple CarPlay's newest iteration aims to take things up a notch. According to Apple, the next-generation of CarPlay provides "the ultimate in-car experience."

Apple CarPlay Ultra can display info to all vehicle screens including instrument clusters, not just the main infotainment screen. It is available with new Aston Martin models, and will be available in other models that can upgrade to Ultra via a software update.

Some of the brands that will feature CarPlay Ultra include the South Korean Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands thus far. "This is just the beginning, with more automakers on the way" said Bob Borchers, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.

Automakers will be able "to express their distinct design philosophy," Apple said in its CarPlay Ultra announcement.

Apple CarPlay Ultra includes several new features including but not limited to:

Apple's latest update introduces several new features that take integration to a whole other level. Drivers will be able to manage radio and climate control settings through Siri. Vehicle-specific performance fixtures like suspension settings and driving modes will now be adjusted through CarPlay. Customizable widgets like weather and trip information will now be displayed on vehicle screens as well.

CarPlay Ultra works with iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later, according to Apple. The software is launching with Aston Martin core models but Apple will expand its availability to vehicles all over the world within the next 12 months. The technology company is working with automakers to make CarPlay Ultra experiences brand-specific and unique.

While some infotainment systems are better than others, many drivers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto daily to access navigation and entertainment for their drives. Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay capability has become a popular automotive feature.

Our attachment to smartphones is well-documented. CarPlay is "providing a safer, smarter way to use iPhone in the car" said Apple.