Car makers continue with Apple CarPlay Ultra plans – including one the world's biggest and sexiest

For years now, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become solid, dependable options for drivers. The two systems – which mirror a display from Android phones or iPhones, respectively – have quickly solidified their place as the de facto option for drivers.

Apple's CarPlay Ultra was marketed as the next evolution of this technology way back in 2022. The technology arrived last year with some Aston Martin models in very few markets, but that's really all we've seen of the platform since.

So, what's going on?

Well, it certainly seems that the brand is having a few issues getting the system into a usable state for most of its partner brands. Speaking recently, Ford CEO, Jim Farley, said that the brand "didn't like the execution of round 1 of Ultra," but remains committed to Apple.

Another major player – Mercedes-Benz – abandoned its support back in 2024, around the time the platform was originally meant to launch. At the time, the brand cited its intention to build its own in-car ecosystem from the ground up, which would negate the need for CarPlay Ultra, though it would still allow regular CarPlay if the user desired.

There's also been a confirmation of the system in the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3, which is expected to debut in Munich later this year. The car is expected to hit a more cost-conscious consumer than other models in its catalogue, bringing the tech to a much wider base of users.

That could prove to be crucial for its long-term implementation and acceptance, as a greater bevy of users will have access to the system. It remains to be seen what will happen with the other brands slated to be involved.

That includes manufacturers like Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan, so there's a chance this will eventually be available on a wide array of cars on the street.