TL;DR
Apple’s next-generation CarPlay, branded CarPlay Ultra, has rolled out to Aston Martin owners in the US and Canada but broader availability remains unclear. A set of automakers are listed as eventual partners, while others have reportedly dropped support and some planned integrations remain only rumors.
What happened
Apple introduced CarPlay Ultra as the next-generation CarPlay experience it first previewed at WWDC 2022. The company began shipping the system in May to Aston Martin customers in the United States and Canada, but has not provided a public timeline for wider availability. Apple initially named Porsche and Aston Martin as early partners in 2023 with an expectation of 2024 availability, but that schedule slipped and Apple later said development was delayed. In 2025 Apple added Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis to its partner list, and the publication assembling the current status reports a roster of automakers that plan to support CarPlay Ultra as of December 2025. Several brands that were previously listed as partners have since abandoned plans, and outside reports have linked Hyundai’s future IONIQ 3 EV to a possible CarPlay Ultra implementation. Ford has said it is considering support but criticized the first release’s execution.
Why it matters
- CarPlay Ultra aims to replace automakers’ native interfaces on vehicle displays, which could shift how in-car infotainment is designed and updated.
- Wider manufacturer adoption would make Apple’s in-car platform available to more buyers, potentially changing purchasing and upgrade considerations.
- Delays and withdrawals by some automakers highlight integration and business challenges for platform-level systems in cars.
- If lower-cost models such as Hyundai’s IONIQ 3 adopt CarPlay Ultra, the technology could move from premium to mainstream segments.
Key facts
- CarPlay Ultra began rolling out in May to Aston Martin owners in the United States and Canada.
- Apple originally announced Porsche and Aston Martin as early partners in December 2023 with an expected 2024 start, but that timeframe was delayed.
- In May 2025 Apple said Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis had signed on as CarPlay Ultra partners.
- As of December 2025, the reported list of automakers planning to support CarPlay Ultra includes: Acura, Aston Martin, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Nissan, and Porsche.
- Mercedes-Benz removed itself from Apple’s original partner list and, according to the Financial Times, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault have also decided not to support the platform.
- Top Gear reported that Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 3 EV is said to support CarPlay Ultra; Hyundai expects to launch the IONIQ 3 in early 2026 and the model’s estimated starting price is about £25,000 (roughly $33,700).
- Ford CEO Jim Farley said the company is considering CarPlay Ultra but criticized the execution of the first version while reaffirming Ford’s commitment to Apple.
- Apple does not publish a dedicated, official list of automakers that have signed on to CarPlay Ultra on its website, nor has it provided a broad rollout timeline beyond Aston Martin.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple publishes an official, comprehensive partner list and a timeline for wider CarPlay Ultra availability (not confirmed in the source).
- Confirmation from Hyundai or the automaker about whether the IONIQ 3 will ship with CarPlay Ultra and any timing or pricing details (not confirmed in the source).
- Further public statements from Ford or other listed partners clarifying if and when they will ship CarPlay Ultra in production vehicles.
Quick glossary
- CarPlay Ultra: Apple’s next-generation in-car platform intended to integrate iPhone features across an automaker’s vehicle displays and controls.
- Infotainment: The combined information and entertainment system in a vehicle, typically including navigation, audio, and connectivity features.
- WWDC: Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where the company previews software updates and new platforms.
- Rumor: An unconfirmed report from media or industry sources that has not been officially verified by the company involved.
Reader FAQ
Which automakers currently plan to support CarPlay Ultra?
As of December 2025 the reported list includes Acura, Aston Martin, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lincoln, Nissan, and Porsche.
Is CarPlay Ultra already available?
It has been delivered to Aston Martin owners in the United States and Canada; broader availability has not been announced.
Will Hyundai’s IONIQ 3 have CarPlay Ultra?
Top Gear has reported that the IONIQ 3 is said to support CarPlay Ultra, but that report has not been confirmed by the automaker in the source.
Has Apple given a timeline for when other brands will get CarPlay Ultra?
Apple has not provided a public timeline or a dedicated complete partner list for wider CarPlay Ultra availability beyond Aston Martin.
iOS 26 has three new iPhone features I’ve been really loving Ryan Christoffel Dec 29 2025 CARPLAY CARPLAY ULTRA Will your car get CarPlay Ultra? Here’s what we know Chance…
Sources
- Will your car get CarPlay Ultra? Here’s what we know
- These Vehicle Brands Plan to Offer Apple's CarPlay Ultra
- CarPlay Ultra, the next generation of CarPlay, begins …
- Some Automakers Backtracking on Apple CarPlay Ultra
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