Aston Martin has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Apple, becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to implement the next generation of Apple CarPlay, known as CarPlay Ultra. This innovative integration provides a seamless and highly personalized experience for iPhone users, extending beyond the central touchscreen to encompass the driver instrument cluster. Debuting on the DBX, Aston Martin’s supercar SUV, and the brand’s core sportscar range, CarPlay Ultra will come standard on all new orders in the USA and Canada starting today and will be available as a software update for existing compatible models in the near future.
Powertrain and Performance Details: While the press release primarily focuses on the infotainment system, it’s important to note that Aston Martin’s DBX and core sportscar range are renowned for their potent powertrains and exceptional performance. The DBX, as a supercar SUV, typically features high-performance engine options, delivering significant power and torque for exhilarating acceleration and dynamic handling. Similarly, Aston Martin’s sportscars, including models like the Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, are engineered with powerful engines and sophisticated chassis systems to provide a thrilling driving experience. The integration of CarPlay Ultra enhances the user experience within these high-performance vehicles without directly altering their established powertrain and performance capabilities.
Seamless and Personalized Experience: CarPlay Ultra offers a deeply integrated experience, displaying real-time information across both the central infotainment touchscreen and the driver instrument cluster. This allows Aston Martin drivers to enjoy a familiar iPhone interface with the added benefit of seeing crucial vehicle data alongside their CarPlay applications. The system provides a customizable and personalized platform, aligning with Aston Martin’s high-performance DNA and allowing drivers to tailor their in-car environment to their preferences.
Deeper Integration with Car Controls: This next-generation CarPlay goes beyond traditional infotainment mirroring by incorporating car control features directly within the CarPlay Ultra interface. Aston Martin has worked closely with Apple to enable drivers to manage vehicle functions such as radio and climate control through the touchscreen, physical buttons, or Siri voice commands, creating a more unified and intuitive user experience.
Bespoke Aston Martin Theme: In partnership with Apple, Aston Martin has designed a unique theme for CarPlay Ultra that reflects the brand’s distinct identity. This bespoke design ensures that even within the Apple CarPlay environment, the interface remains recognizably Aston Martin, reinforcing the luxury and performance ethos of the brand. Drivers can further personalize their experience by choosing from various instrument cluster themes and customizing colors and wallpapers to match their individual tastes.
Curated Personalization Options: CarPlay Ultra provides a range of personalization options across both the infotainment screen and the instrument cluster. Drivers can select different layouts for the speedometer and tachometer dials and choose to display maps and media in full screen. The ability to add widgets powered by iPhone allows for at-a-glance information on Aston Martin’s 10.25” infotainment screen or instrument cluster, further enhancing the personalized experience.
First to Launch: Aston Martin proudly holds the distinction of being the first manufacturer globally to deliver CarPlay Ultra to its customers. This achievement underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing cutting-edge technology within its vehicles. Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin CEO, emphasized the brand’s focus on world-leading performance extending beyond traditional attributes to include unique in-vehicle capabilities through collaborations with leading technology companies like Apple.
Building on In-House Infotainment: The seamless integration of CarPlay Ultra is facilitated by Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art, in-house developed infotainment system, which debuted in 2023 on the DB12. This bespoke system provided the foundation for Aston Martin to work directly with Apple, ensuring a flawless implementation of CarPlay Ultra. The system features a 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen with capacitive multi-finger gesture control and maintains physical buttons for essential functions, balancing modern technology with tactile usability.
Global Rollout: Initially launching in the USA and Canada on the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish models, CarPlay Ultra will be extended to all global markets within the next 12 months. The feature will be standard on all new vehicle orders in the initial launch markets from today and will be available as an update for existing compatible models through Aston Martin’s dealer network. CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.54 or later.
Summary:
- Aston Martin is the first global automaker to launch Apple CarPlay Ultra.
- CarPlay Ultra offers a personalized experience across the infotainment screen and instrument cluster.
- It includes deeper integration with vehicle controls and a bespoke Aston Martin theme.
- Drivers can customize instrument cluster displays, colors, and wallpapers.
- Vehicle functions like radio and climate can be controlled within CarPlay.
- CarPlay Ultra is initially available in the USA and Canada on select models.
- It will be rolled out globally within the next 12 months.
- The integration is enabled by Aston Martin’s in-house developed infotainment system.
- It requires an iPhone 12 or later with iOS 18.54 or later.
Disclaimer: Information regarding CarPlay Ultra features and availability is based on the provided press release and may be subject to change. Please consult Aston Martin’s official website or your local dealer for the most up-to-date details.
Source: Aston Martin
AI Assistance: Gemini
