Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra in luxury lineup

MANILA: Aston Martin has become the first-ever manufacturer to integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra for its cars. Specifically, the more capable version of Apple CarPlay is now available on the DBX sport utility vehicle, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish. 

Per the Gaydon-based luxury car brand, CarPlay Ultra builds upon the capabilities of the “regular” Apple CarPlay. Its array of additions includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

• Functionality with digital gauge cluster
• Climate control in CarPlay screen
• Better Widget integration
• Additional visual configurations for gauge cluster
• Siri-controlled in-vehicle functions

The initial rollout of Apple CarPlay Ultra will be targeting the North American market (USA and Canada). Aston Martin, however, shared that it will seek to expand its reach to other global markets within the next 12 months.

Moreover, the new and improved form of Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 12 or newer model (with iOS 18.52 or newer) to work.  

Apple CarPlay Ultra, Aston Martin said, was designed to work seamlessly with its in-house developed next-generation infotainment system. The 10.25-inch display and its software, which debuted on the new DB12, were made in partnership with Apple.

As a result, the new connectivity software integrates well with the brand's latest infotainment system. The aforementioned, of course, is a part of the manufacturer's goal to provide an infotainment system that is “consistent with the brand’s unique design philosophy and remains instantly recognizable as Aston Martin.”

“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be the first to launch CarPlay Ultra,” Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hallmark said. 

“As a brand, our focus on world-leading performance goes beyond the traditional attributes associated with powertrains, dynamic performance and craftsmanship,” Hallmark added. 

The Aston Martin DBX and Vantage are currently available in the Philippines, so hopefully, the brand’s local arm could bring in Apple CarPlay Ultra for its clients in the near future. 

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