Apple’s ambitious plans to revolutionize the in-car experience with CarPlay Ultra have hit a speed bump. While the new system was revealed with great fanfare earlier this month, promising seamless integration across all vehicle display screens, including the digital instrument cluster, several major automakers are signaling a hard pass.
What Is CarPlay Ultra?
CarPlay Ultra marks Apple’s most advanced automotive integration yet. Unlike the standard CarPlay interface, which is limited to infotainment and navigation, Ultra expands Apple’s ecosystem across all digital surfaces inside the vehicle. This means drivers would see a fully Apple-designed interface for everything from speedometers to climate control and vehicle status.
Apple positioned CarPlay Ultra as a natural next step, one that would bring the familiar iPhone experience to every aspect of the driving journey. But it appears that the leap is too far for many in the automotive world.
Automakers Push Back
A report from the Financial Times reveals that top-tier automakers, including Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault, are opting out of CarPlay Ultra, despite being initially listed by Apple in 2022 as future adopters. Their core concern? Loss of control.
Manufacturers are wary of allowing Apple to replace their in-house systems, particularly for critical functions like climate control, vehicle diagnostics, and access to proprietary vehicle data. For brands like Renault, the move is seen as Apple encroaching too deeply. In a clear statement of intent, Renault reportedly told Apple: “Don’t try to invade our systems.”
In addition, automakers see their digital ecosystems as revenue streams. Features like heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and navigation are increasingly being sold via subscriptions or one-time upgrades. Allowing Apple to manage the interface may undermine these business models, especially if Apple’s design bypasses these upsell opportunities.
Still Some Supporters in the Wings
Not all car companies are closing the door. Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia have confirmed their commitment to introducing CarPlay Ultra, while Aston Martin has already become the first brand to roll it out. Others like Ford and Nissan are still evaluating the system, with no final decision announced.
Apple remains optimistic despite the chilly reception. “We’re collaborating closely with automakers to provide the best of iPhone and the best of the car, and this work takes time,” the company told the Financial Times.
Standard CarPlay Isn’t Going Anywhere
While CarPlay Ultra faces headwinds, traditional Apple CarPlay continues to thrive. Nearly all new cars in the U.S. come equipped with standard CarPlay, and consumer demand for smartphone integration remains high. Brands like BMW and Audi have confirmed they’ll continue supporting the standard version, even as they withhold commitment to Ultra.
Consumer Trade-Offs Ahead
For Apple fans hoping for a fully immersive CarPlay experience, the future remains uncertain. As it stands, customers may have to choose between enjoying CarPlay Ultra or sticking with their favorite car brands, at least until automakers feel more confident in handing over the dashboard reins to Apple.
Until then, Apple’s vision of a fully connected vehicle ecosystem is still parked in neutral.
