Aston Martin has rolled out Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra, transforming its supercar of SUVs, the DBX, and core sportscar lines into the first vehicles in the world to feature deep, multi-screen iOS integration according to official manufacturer disclosures from May 2025.
Beyond the Infotainment Stack: Multi-Screen iOS Architecture
Apple partnered with automaker Aston Martin to embed its software directly into high-end production vehicles.
CarPlay Ultra extends far beyond a standard center console projection. The software takes over both the 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen and the driver’s instrument cluster. According to Aston Martin, drivers can select bespoke speedometer and tachometer dials designed in partnership with Apple, alongside full-screen maps and media execution.
Aston Martin introduced its bespoke, in-house next-generation infotainment system on the DB12 in 2023. By building that platform internally, the marque enabled direct collaboration with Apple to merge proprietary vehicle control architecture with iOS frameworks. Drivers can manage climate control, radio inputs, and navigation through touchscreen gestures, physical hardware buttons, or Siri voice commands.
Voice Control and Apple Intelligence Integration
Siri sits at the forefront of the CarPlay Ultra experience. According to Aston Martin, the voice assistant handles core vehicle functions including climate adjustments, navigation, and messaging. Furthermore, CarPlay Ultra brings Apple Intelligence capabilities to the vehicle, allowing contextual interactions that span local parking solutions, quick food ordering, and fuelling stops tailored to the driver’s location and needs.
Familiar applications like Apple Music, Apple Navigation, and iMessage remain fully supported, alongside third-party ecosystem staples such as Spotify and WhatsApp. iPhone-powered widgets snap into the custom layouts of the Aston Martin displays.
“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra,” said Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark. “As a Brand our focus on world leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance and craftsmanship. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers.”
Market Rollout and Hardware Availability
Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Bob Borchers, noted the strategic importance of the rollout. “iPhone users love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles,” Borchers stated. “With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent.”
CarPlay Ultra comes equipped as standard on all new orders in the USA and Canada. Existing owners of core models equipped with Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system will receive the software as an update in the coming weeks.
What This Means for the Automotive Tech Stack
Worth a look
