Apple launched CarPlay Ultra last year as a major upgrade to its in-car software, but access has remained limited. So far, only Aston Martin vehicles support the platform. That exclusivity looks set to end soon, with new signs pointing to wider adoption later this year.
CarPlay Ultra expansion plans
A new report from Bloomberg says Apple plans to bring CarPlay Ultra to at least one major new vehicle in the second half of the year.
In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman wrote that CarPlay Ultra will arrive on “at least one major new Hyundai or Kia model” before the end of the year. He did not name the exact car, but earlier reporting linked the software to Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 3 electric vehicle, which is expected to debut in April and launch later this year.
Apple has already confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis plan to support CarPlay Ultra. The company previously said the rollout would expand globally within 12 months, and this timeline lines up with that promise.
What makes CarPlay Ultra different
CarPlay Ultra goes beyond app mirroring. It integrates directly with the vehicle’s instrument cluster and core systems. Drivers see speed, fuel, or battery level, tire pressure, and engine data alongside Apple apps. The system also supports built-in radio, climate controls, and rear-view camera feeds. Apple customizes the interface for each car brand, with multiple design presets to match the vehicle’s identity.
The same Bloomberg report also addressed Tesla. Gurman said CarPlay support is “still in the works” at Tesla, with more details expected soon. Tesla plans to support the standard version of CarPlay, not CarPlay Ultra. CarPlay will appear in a separate window within Tesla’s own interface and will support wireless connections.
Several automakers remain hesitant. BMW, Ford, and Rivian have publicly downplayed CarPlay Ultra, while General Motors has dropped standard CarPlay entirely in its new electric vehicles. For now, Hyundai and Kia appear best positioned to bring Apple’s next-generation CarPlay to more drivers this year.
