It’s been three years since Apple unveiled its upgraded version of CarPlay, designed to take over every screen in a car. It was supposed to launch last year, but 2025 arrived without a single vehicle having the software. Aston Martin only just announced last month that it would integrate CarPlay Ultra, but it doesn’t sound like many others will offer it anytime soon.
According to a new report from Financial Times via Ars Technica, automakers that Apple had initially said would offer the upgraded version of CarPlay are no longer planning to do so. Those include Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Polestar, and Volvo.
Photo by: Aston Martin
Renault, another automaker Apple had originally listed, allegedly told the tech giant that it shouldn’t “try to invade our own systems.” Ford and Nissan, along with their respective luxury brands, were also highlighted, but both told FT that they had nothing to share about the technology.
Automakers are likely rethinking how much control they want to give up of their screens to Apple, and not because they are trying to reinvent the infotainment system. Screens are the main user interface in modern vehicles and represent a monetization opportunity many automakers are still trying to figure out. General Motors went the extreme route and decided to ditch CarPlay from its cars entirely.
Photo by: Aston Martin
However, not every automaker is afraid to offer their consumers choices. Porsche still plans to offer CarPlay Ultra in its future models, and Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis told the publication their cars would integrate the technology, even though they were not part of Apple’s original announcement.
If enough people like CarPlay Ultra, demand might not give the holdouts much choice but to offer it. Apple is already on top of the infotainment battle, and it could likely keep winning.
Source:
Financial Times via Ars Technica
