Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Ultra Launches in Canada: What’s New

Apple has finally launched the next-generation of CarPlay, after announcing the feature back at WWDC in 2022.

CarPlay Ultra is available today for drivers in Canada and the U.S. who order a new Aston Martin. Yes, even trying out CarPlay Ultra is expensive to start.

In Canada, CarPlay Ultra will first be available on these Aston Martin models:

• DBX707 (SUV): Starting at $339,064 CAD
• Vantage (Coupe): Starting at $272,734 CAD
• DB12 (Coupe): Starting at $333,784 CAD
• Vanquish (Super GT): Estimated to start above $500,000 CAD

Owners of existing models with Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system will also be able to get the upgrade soon through a software update at dealerships.

Aston Martin says CarPlay Ultra brings full online connectivity on its 10.25” Pure Black touchscreen technology with full capacitive single and multi-finger gesture control.

CarPlay Ultra takes the iPhone experience deeper into your car. It doesn’t just show maps and music anymore — it can now display important car info like speed, fuel levels, tire pressure, and even driver assistance alerts across multiple screens, including the dashboard.

Drivers can control all of this through touchscreens, physical buttons, or by asking Siri. You can even customize themes, colours, and wallpapers to match your style.

“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, in a statement.

Apple says other automakers around the world are set to bring CarPlay Ultra to their cars, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, which just came on board.

In Canada, CarPlay Ultra will work with iPhone 12 or newer, as long as it’s running iOS 18.5 or later. It’s rolling out now for new Aston Martin orders, with updates for current owners coming soon.

Here’s a video from Aston Martin celebrating the launch of CarPlay Ultra:

Apple originally said CarPlay 2 would debut in 2024, but that never happened. Now, we have CarPlay Ultra just after Q1 in 2025, taking a naming moniker from the Apple Watch Ultra.