Aston Martin First to Launch Apple CarPlay Ultra
Luxury marque becomes first automaker to launch Apple’s next-gen in-car experience...
With CarPlay Ultra, drivers gain a fully customisable digital experience across both infotainment and instrument displays — all wrapped in Aston Martin luxury.
Unveiled last week, the rollout begins with the DBX SUV—billed as the “supercar of SUVs”—as well as core sportscar models including the DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish. From this month, CarPlay Ultra will come standard on all new Aston Martins in the USA and Canada, with global expansion planned over the next 12 months. Existing models fitted with the brand’s next-generation infotainment system will receive the update in the coming weeks.
CarPlay Ultra expands on Apple’s familiar interface by delivering real-time information across both the central 10.25-inch touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. In a first for the British marque, this dual-display approach enables drivers to customise layout elements like speedometer and tachometer dials, as well as map and media views, across both screens.
In a statement, Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said the integration exemplifies the brand’s ongoing mission to combine cutting-edge technology with luxury craftsmanship:
The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of our dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers.
Apple’s Emily Schubert, Senior Director of Car Experience Engineering, added:
With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making driving more personal, intuitive and safer. We are thrilled to begin rolling out CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin.
Working in close collaboration with Apple, Aston Martin has tailored CarPlay Ultra to align with its own design DNA. This includes a bespoke CarPlay theme that mirrors the marque’s iconic aesthetic, offering users the ability to customise instrument cluster themes, colours, and wallpapers.
Control over vehicle functions such as climate and radio is now built directly into CarPlay Ultra, accessible via touch, physical buttons, or Siri voice control. The system also supports widgets—powered by iPhone—that fit neatly into either display for quick access to real-time info.
CarPlay Ultra is enabled by Aston Martin’s latest infotainment system, first introduced with the DB12. Designed and developed entirely in-house, the system blends gesture-controlled touch capability with the tactility of physical buttons for essential driving functions like gear selection, chassis settings, and exhaust modes.
The new feature is available now on the DB12, Vantage Coupe and Roadster, Vanquish, and DBX707, with additional models to follow. CarPlay Ultra requires an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.54 or higher.
With this global-first launch, Aston Martin positions itself not only as a leader in performance and design, but as a benchmark for connected car technology in the luxury segment.
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Jason Sexton
Jason joined StereoNET in 2025 and now serves as ANZ Editor, bringing decades of experience in marketing, brand development, and specialist hi-fi retail. His listener-first approach delivers grounded insights that cut through the noise. Outside audio, he’s into cars, trail riding, 80s nostalgia, and guitar.
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