What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?
The convenience of Apple CarPlay will now extend beyond a vehicle’s infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay Ultra allowing for themed and customisable driver information screens and instrument clusters.
Until now, Apple CarPlay (and its Android OS equivalent, Android Auto) has replaced a car’s native touchscreen icons with an iPhone operating system environment, allowing for easier use of apps such as Maps and Spotify.
Apple CarPlay Ultra will create a much deeper in-car experience, with a customisable driver’s interface that has dials and gauges tailored to match a car brand’s look and feel.
In addition to speedometer and tachometer, CarPlay Ultra can display fuel gauge, temperature gauge, tyre pressure, driver assistance information, and of course iPhone-based information such as maps and media.
The innovative technology has debuted in new Aston Martin vehicles in the US and Canada, with a software update available for older models in coming weeks.
Apple says other automakers are also signing up for CarPlay Ultra, with Hyundai, Kia and Genesis already committed to including it on their new models.
The average punter will have to wait a while, however, with Apple saying Ultra “will expand to include vehicles globally in the next 12 months”.
There is currently no confirmed date for Australia. Open Road has contacted the federal government’s Department of Transport for comment on whether the technology could violate Australian Design Rules, which govern car construction.
Drivers can use on-screen controls, physical buttons, or Siri voice-activation to manage standard vehicle functions such as the car’s radio and climate, as well as advanced, vehicle-specific features and controls such as audio system configurations or performance settings.
“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are reimagining the in-car experience, making it even more unified and consistent,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing.
“This next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker.”
