Aston Martin Debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra
We drove the DB12 through the quiet precision of Der Öschberhof, a setting where the balance between performance and refinement felt instinctive. In Sardinia, behind the wheel of the Vanquish, the car’s raw edge met the island’s cinematic curves. Both drives spoke to the visceral charm of Aston Martin. Now, the marque is extending that experience into the digital realm with the debut of Apple CarPlay Ultra.
This isn’t just a new feature. It’s a redefinition of the interface between driver, machine, and phone.
Seamless Integration, Reimagined for Aston Martin
Aston Martin becomes the first manufacturer to offer Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, a deeply integrated evolution of the in-car iPhone experience. Available now on the DBX SUV and core sportscar models DB12, Vantage, and Vanquish, CarPlay Ultra doesn’t just sit on the screen. It shapes the entire visual and tactile interface of the cabin.
What makes Ultra different is its reach. It stretches beyond the infotainment screen into the driver’s instrument cluster, letting you control media, maps, and vehicle settings across a multi-display layout. The experience is instantly recognisable for iPhone users but wears a distinctly Aston Martin suit.
Designed with Purpose, Tailored to Taste
Working closely with Apple, Aston Martin has embedded its identity into every layer of CarPlay Ultra. From custom gauge clusters to curated themes, colours, and wallpapers, drivers can personalise the digital environment to match their aesthetic, just as they would spec a steering wheel or leather trim.
The integration feels thoughtful. Physical buttons remain for key controls like gear selection, climate, and chassis settings, while touchscreen functionality adds flexibility. It’s an elegant balance of technology and tactility, preserving the emotional connection at the heart of the brand.
Built on an In-House Platform
This new interface builds on Aston Martin’s bespoke infotainment system, launched in 2023 with the DB12. Developed entirely in-house, it gives the company the control needed to align digital and mechanical elements with its design language. Full capacitive gesture control, a 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen, and intelligent widget placement all serve to keep information accessible without overwhelming the driver.
Final Thoughts
Did the DB12 or Vanquish feel like they were missing a more advanced version of CarPlay? Not really. These are cars that already connect with you in more visceral ways, through sound, steering feel, and presence. But CarPlay Ultra is a welcome addition. It doesn’t dilute the experience. It enhances it, quietly.
