What is Apple CarPlay? And what is Apple Carplay Ultra?

What's Apple CarPlay?

Simply, it's the now ubiquitous software that lets you mirror your iPhone onto your car’s infotainment screen for a familiar-looking and easy-to-use way of accessing navigation apps, podcasts, music, messages and more.

How does it work?

It's basically a mirror of your phone and selected apps. You plug in or connect wirelessly, and all the computing is done on the phone - the car simply displays that info like a monitor.

So what's new?

CarPlay Ultra, that's what. Revealed in full in May 2025, it operates a little differently to regular crackers CarPlay. There’s still some stuff that’s mirrored and computed on the phone, but that’s now mixed in with what's called ‘local UI’ - info that’s being taken directly from the car - like fuel level, speed or climate controls and shown through Apple’s interface, with that signature pared-back, easy-on-the-eye aesthetic.

Then on top of that there’s something called ‘punch-through UI’ - where Apple allows stuff from the car’s native system to show up in CarPlay, like the feed from the reversing camera.

It also adds custom wallpapers, more intuitive voice control, and accessibility upgrades like Motion Sickness Reduction and Sound Recognition which alerts you to sirens and horns with visual cues.

How do I enable Apple CarPlay?

Provided you have a car that has the factory-supported integration of CarPlay, getting set up is pretty straightforward. New cars offer CarPlay either as a wireless or cabled connection. Once you’re plugged in (if required), usually the connection will automatically launch the Apple CarPlay programme. Some car interfaces ask you if you want to initiate CarPlay.

You will need to make sure your iPhone isn't restricting CarPlay. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, tap Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled.

Provided you have an Aston Martin DBX707, you'll have to pair it the first time but after that it'll remember and essentially become your default UI. Don't worry if you haven't got an Aston Martin DBX707 - it'll roll out to other models in time.

Is there a monthly charge for Apple CarPlay?

No. But you'll pay for the phone data you use, obviously.

Can I install Apple CarPlay in my car?

Yes. If your car was born before touchscreens became standard, you can retrofit CarPlay with an aftermarket head unit.

Remember: touching your phone while driving is still illegal, even if you’re just skipping a song. Let Siri do the heavy lifting.