Aston Martin isn’t just about offering high performance, at least not anymore. The British luxury sports car brand is about to launch a technological first. A new integration between the car company and Apple is bringing CarPlay Ultra to Aston Martin’s vehicles like the DBX. It will be the first automaker in the world to offer the new feature, which comes standard with all models ordered as of today.
Aston Martin
- Founded
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15 January 1913
- Founder
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Lionel Martin, Robert Bamford
- Headquarters
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Gaydon, United Kingdom
- Owned By
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Publicly Traded
- Current CEO
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Adrian Hallmark
What is CarPlay Ultra? It expands the CarPlay interface from the center screen where you’re used to finding it into the digital instrument cluster of the car.
That expands what both app designers and Aston can do with the vehicle displays. It starts with a range of new options for digital speedometer and tach dials, letting drivers pick different settings and different appearances for their dashboards.
CarPlay Ultra Integrates Your Phone And Your Dash
The new system also lets mapping apps open on the dash display. Like the Virtual Cockpit displays Audi (and others) have been using, this helps the driver focus their attention on the road for directions, only needing them to look slightly down instead of over at the center display. Media info can also be displayed on the dash with the new system.
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Then there are the more extensive vehicle and Siri integrations. Siri can now manage vehicle functions like adjusting the climate control. Or, drivers can use touchscreen controls inside the CarPlay interface instead of having to back out to a main menu. There will also be new widgets designed specifically to fit the center or dashboard screens.
Aston Martin said it has worked closely with Apple to make sure that everything is consistent with its brand standards. You’ll get customization, but it will be within those boundaries.
Brand’s In-House Infotainment Design Helped Make It First
“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. As a brand, our focus on world-leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance, and craftsmanship. The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of the dedication to collaborate with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and in-vehicle capabilities to our customers.”
– Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin CEO.
The British automaker launched its new infotainment system with the DB12 in 2023. It was the company’s first in-house system, and that is what has allowed it to work with Apple to integrate CarPlay Ultra.
While Aston will be leaning into the touch controls and voice activation, it will still have buttons for the important stuff. Climate control, drive modes, and chassis settings will all be real buttons as well as virtual.
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The system launches on Astons bound for Canada and the U.S. starting today. That covers all of the company’s main models, including the DB12, Vantage, Vanquish, and DBX. The rest of the world will get it in the next 12 months, and existing customers with the latest system will be able to get updates through their dealer.
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