Apple CarPlay Ultra stalls as these 5 car giants have reportedly decided to U-turn

Date:
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:36:23 +0000

Description:
Despite the buzz around CarPlay Ultra, some believe a growing number of manufacturers aren't on-board with the idea.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Aston Martin recently debuted the CarPlay Ultra experience Apple-based system takes over all digital displays in a car Report suggests some automakers have changed their minds

Although Aston Martin was the first major automotive manufacturer to
introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra into a production vehicle, the Californian tech giant announced that a whole host of big name punters were lined up to take
on the tech in the near future.

The original list of names, which was revealed by Apple in 2022 after CarPlay Ultra was previewed at its WWDC event, included Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault, Polestar and Volvo Cars, Ford, Nissan and many more. But a recent report by The Financial Times suggests that the numbers are dwindling.

According to The FT, the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Kia, Hyundai and luxury brand Genesis, remains committed to introducing CarPlay Ultra, while Porsche has long been working with the tech companys developer toolkit to improve the CarPlay experience. Ultra will likely appear on its next new model.

However, the report goes on to state that the technology is "facing resistance" from the automotive industry, with German luxury brands Mercedes-Benz and Audi, as well as Volvo, Polestar and Renault, all now
saying they have no plans to introduce CarPlay Ultra.

The reasons for the U-turn are unclear, but some of the industry insiders quoted in the FTs report claim that Apples takeover of the entire
infotainment system is a step too far, with one Renault employed warning
Apple to not invade our systems.

The invasion said employee speaks of is in reference to the fact Apple
CarPlay Ultra differs to the regular CarPlay experience in so much as the
tech giant goes one step further and introduces its OS into the digital
driver display.

In essence, the vehicles digital real estate becomes an extension of your iPad, Mac or iPhone. Analysis: software is the new battleground (Image
credit: Aston Martin)

The widespread introduction of battery packs and electric motors has effectively leveled the automotive playing field, with performance no longer such an important differentiator between value and premium products.

Throw into the mix the fact that emerging Chinese brands have been able to offer an impressive suite of the latest technology at the fraction of the
cost of many western rivals and it has resulted in a tumultuous time for the auto industry as a whole.

Now, brand value and perceived quality, particularly where luxury marques are concerned, is more important than ever, which could go some way to explain
the hesitance for some automakers to hand everything over to Apple.

Despite Aston Martin doing its very best to ensure its digital clocks and instruments retain its heritage and identity when CarPlay Ultra is used, theres no escaping the fact it still feels very Apple all the way down to the fonts and color schemes employed.

While some automakers feel that it is pointless trying to compete with tech companies on the software side, others believe that developing a solid
digital offering from the inside is important to future success.

As the battle for differentiation between car brands hots up and the digital offering becomes an increasingly important revenue stream, we could see more companies push for software development in house, rather than relying on
Apple to do the hard work. You might also like Finally, Porsche has cracked the Apple CarPlay experience here's why Kia becomes the latest car giant to offer in-car Netflix and as a father with young kids, I'm fully on board
with the idea Apple CarPlay Ultra finally rolls out here are 4 things you need to know about its Aston Martin debut



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/apple-carplay- ultra-stalls-as-these-5-car-giants-have-reportedly-decided-to-u-turn


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