Why do Autoerwerken skip Apple CarPlay Ultra? – Slashgear

In May 2025, Apple officially started its next generation of software system in the Car software system, CarPlay Ultra, and promised a more compelling and deeply integrated user experience. However, it seems that many big brands in the car -industry are reluctant to support the urge of the technical giant for his Apple CarPlay successor. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Renault and Volvo have already confirmed that they skip this software update.

The car manufacturers who reject CarPlay Ultra are similar to giving complete control over their infotainment systems and other car functions to the Cupertino giant. The new software in the car is designed to take over the instrument cluster. Thus, apart from projecting an iPhone interface on the dashboard screen, drivers can view real-time vehicle data, such as fuel levels and tire pressure, via Apple’s software. They can also control the heating and air conditioning, as well as the Audioconfigurations and settings in the car. Although this integration level may seem useful for users, it does not fit well with the car brands.

Although it is common to hear modern cars with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on their dashboard screens, many car manufacturers have also invested heavily in their own infotainment systems. Some even regard theirs as potential income flows, sale of navigation subscriptions and connected services. The Volkswagen Group has even made its own App Store for exclusive and third -party apps. It is safe to say that some brands simply protect their future income from their own software.

Although many car manufacturers skip Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, some brands have chosen to embrace it. Aston Martin was the first to take over the software update for his new vehicles on the North -American market, including the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage. Genesis, Hyundai and Kia have also committed themselves to bringing the new software to their vehicles, with Apple’s vice president of global product marketing, Bob Borchers, who confirm that more brands are coming.

Since then we have learned that Porsche and Jaguar Land Rover are part of the Line -up, with Porsche Chief Designer Michael Mauer Financial times That they add support for CarPlay Ultra in future models. In the meantime, Jaguar Land Rover is still evaluating the software. It is not clear how these brands will implement CarPlay Ultra in their infotainment systems, but Apple was already adapted adapted themes and various design characteristics for each automaker through cooperation efforts between his team and every car maker.

In contrast to the brands that rejected the CarPlay of the next generation, the car manufacturers who agreed with support are likely to cover their bets by offering CarPlay Ultra to meet the consumer question and at the same time invest in their systems. This is of course understandable, especially when you consider that almost half of the respondents of a 2023 McKinsey survey said that they would refuse to buy a car without Apple CarPlay, while 85% said they prefer Apple’s software to stock infotainment systems.

Standard Apple CarPlay, which is completely free, has been a very popular car function among drivers for years. The software works by having the iPhone mirrored, such as cards, music, messages and calls, on the dashboard infotainment screen. That is why it does not technically give users real control over the car system; Instead, it simply behaves like a projector. Yet many people are attracted, which increases the demand for vehicles with CarPlay support. This explains why 98% of the new cars sold in the US have Apple CarPlay.

As an upgrade, CarPlay Ultra is a huge leap forward compared to its predecessor. In contrast to Apple CarPlay, which is limited to mirroring an iPhone to the infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra can seamlessly integrate over all displays in a car, so that it can also take control of the instrument cluster. Not only that, although the Siri integration of Apple CarPlay is only limited to basic iPhone functions, such as placing calls or sending SMS messages, CarPlay Ultra goes a step further by allowing a wider range of vehicle functions. This means that drivers can rely on speech assignments to adjust the vehicle settings and even functions that usually require physical buttons.

Just like CarPlay, the Ultra update is also supplied with Apple Intelligence functions and adaptable widgets. The big difference here, however, is that users no longer have to make access with Apple Intelligence and the widgets via their iPhone. They can do anything without leaving the CarPlay Ultra interface.