Aston Martin models are first to get new Apple CarPlay Ultra

Written By Mike Booth

CarPlay Ultra comes as standard on all new orders in the USA and Canada

Aston Martin now has something of an advantage when it comes to infotainment, after securing the first use of Apple’s new CarPlay Ultra across its core sportscar range. Creating its own in-house next-gen infotainment system in 2023 - first used on the DB12 - has allowed Aston Martin to work with Apple on this collaboration.

Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark said: “Building on our in-house state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalisation opportunities which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector. “

How is Apple CarPlay Ultra different?

Building on the current CarPlay we’ve become accustomed to, the new Ultra version extends it to the instrument cluster, offering drivers the chance to personalise their layout, with different themes, colours and wallpapers. The speedometer and tachometer dials are now incorporated, while drivers can also display maps and media in full-screen mode.

Radio and climate controls can be operated via touchscreen, physical buttons or Siri, and drivers can add widgets that perfectly fit Aston’s 10.25-inch infotainment screen or instrument cluster.

Despite the new system’s use of physical buttons, some have been retained solely for key mechanical operations like gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation. Override switches for Chassis, ESP and Exhaust, Lane Assist and Park Distance Control ensure the most used controls are always available when needed.

Which Aston Martin models can get new Apple CarPlay Ultra?

In the USA and Canada, the following Aston Martin models will have access to the new Apple CarPlay Ultra:

- DB12 Coupe, DB12 Volante
- Vantage Coupe, Vantage Roadster
- Vanquish Coupe, Vanquish Volante
- DBX707 (from May 25)
- DBX S

CarPlay Ultra will also be available as an update in the coming weeks for existing core models featuring Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. It will require an iPhone 12 or later, running at least iOS 18.54.

Mike Booth
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