You may soon encounter CarPlay Ultra outside of a $200,000 Aston Martin.

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      After an initial slow launch limited to high-end vehicles, Apple’s custom dashboard system is anticipated to make its way into a significant mainstream model later this year.

      CarPlay Ultra has had a challenging debut. To date, it has been primarily available exclusively in an Aston Martin costing over $200,000, which seems unusual for a company of Apple’s stature to confine a new platform to such a niche market.

      However, this situation might change soon as per a Bloomberg report. CarPlay Ultra is expected to be featured in at least one major new model from Hyundai or Kia in the latter half of this year, which would introduce the system to a much larger audience than its current limited reach.

      Understanding the slow rollout

      Unlike the typical plug-and-play convenience of standard CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra is designed as a tailored interface for each car brand. This requires Apple’s design team to collaborate closely with an automaker to create a unique layout that fits that specific vehicle's displays and overall interior design.

      This custom approach inevitably slows the process down. It also creates a dilemma for car manufacturers that prefer to control the aesthetic and experience of their dashboards. Some brands are hesitant to relinquish this aspect to Apple, especially after Apple's prior attempts to develop its own vehicle.

      Implications for consumers

      If Hyundai or Kia introduces CarPlay Ultra in a mainstream model, it will serve as the first significant validation that Apple can extend the concept beyond ultra-luxury vehicles. CarPlay Ultra aims to deliver an experience akin to the car's native system, rather than simply mirroring a phone display, making it hard to assess its value when very few people have had the chance to experience it.

      For consumers, the choice is straightforward. They can either stick with the automaker’s software or allow Apple to take control of more of the screens they interact with regularly. The promise of Ultra lies in providing a uniform experience across the cabin, but this is contingent on the willingness of car manufacturers to share that screen space.

      What to monitor next

      The upcoming announcement needs specific names and trim levels. If Ultra appears on a high-volume model rather than just a premium variant, it would demonstrate genuine commitment and could encourage other automakers to accelerate their plans. Conversely, if it remains limited to a top-tier model, it may remain a luxury feature longer than desired by drivers.

      Tesla is another key player in this scenario. Regular CarPlay, rather than Ultra, is reportedly still in development for Tesla, with more updates expected soon. If this materializes, it will be another win for Apple and a reminder that the standard CarPlay story is still progressing.

      Paulo Vargas is an English major turned reporter turned technical writer, consistently returning to...

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