Apple’s latest iOS update to give drivers a smoother CarPlay experience
June 09, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Apple just made CarPlay smarter thanks to a new iOS update. Here’s what you need to know about how it’ll make your drive smoother, plus a look at CarPlay Ultra.
If you’re someone who plugs your iPhone into your car every time you drive, get ready – Apple just dropped a big update that aims to make the Apple CarPlay experience a whole lot smoother.
The standard CarPlay interface is getting a cleaner look, with updated icons that work better in both light and dark modes. The design is more consistent across the car’s screens, Apple announced during the company’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Some useful changes include smaller incoming call notifications that don’t block navigation, the ability to react to messages with Tapbacks, and pin conversations for quick access. You can also add widgets and see real-time updates on things such as flight status or delivery progress through Live Activities.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can also sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Meet CarPlay Ultra
CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s next-gen in-car experience. Instead of just showing up on your infotainment screen, it takes over all the driver-facing displays, including your instrument cluster. That means you can see Apple Maps, speed, trip info, and even music apps such as Spotify right in front of you.
It’s also more deeply integrated with your car. You’ll be able to adjust climate controls or change the radio station directly from the CarPlay screen. This means no more switching back and forth between systems (especially handy in cars that don’t have a lot of physical buttons anymore).
Aston Martin gets it first
Luxury car brand Aston Martin is the first to roll out CarPlay Ultra, starting with the DBX SUV in the US and Canada. They’ve also added some stylish touches: such as special ‘Made in England’ icons and unique colour themes that match the car’s design.
More Aston models, such as the Vantage, Vanquish, and DB12, will get CarPlay Ultra soon via updates.
Apple’s confirmed that Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis will be getting CarPlay Ultra in their upcoming cars. It won’t hit all models at once though – some will get it sooner than others. Brands such as Porsche, Mercedes, Polestar, Ford, Renault, and Volvo are also working with Apple to bring it to their cars over the next year.
What will you need for Apple CarPlay Ultra?
To use CarPlay Ultra, you’ll need an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.54 or later. The feature is rolling out first in the US and Canada, with global launches expected over the next year. Meanwhile, Apple users can expect the iOS 26 update in September.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.