Apple expands CarPlay Ultra to more mainstream car brands

Apple is preparing to broaden the rollout of CarPlay Ultra, its next-generation in-car platform, moving beyond luxury vehicles into more mainstream automotive brands such as Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.

Unlike traditional smartphone mirroring, CarPlay Ultra offers deeper vehicle integration by connecting directly with the instrument cluster and core car functions. Drivers can view information such as speed, fuel levels, tyre pressure and engine temperature within a unified Apple-designed interface, while also controlling features like climate settings, radio and camera views.

The platform also allows automakers to customise the visual experience to preserve their own brand identity, balancing Apple’s ecosystem with manufacturer-specific design elements.

Its expansion signals intensifying competition for control of the digital dashboard, as tech companies and automakers increasingly view the in-car experience as a strategic battleground for software, services and user loyalty.