Few automotive advancements in the past couple of decades have as wide of an appeal as Apple CarPlay. It’s fairly unique, too, in that it’s a user interface that a number of automakers offer in basically the same form: plug in or pair, and have the exact same experience whether you’re in a BMW, Mercedes, Mazda, Volkswagen, etc.
But it’s over 10 years old at this point. To keep technological process rolling along, Apple released a more comprehensive experience that interfaces deeper into automakers’ programming earlier this year: CarPlay Ultra. Debuting in the Aston Martin DBX707, it’s a solid step forward in third-party software that offers extensive customization. I recently had a chance to experience it firsthand in a fresh DBX707.
Why Aston Martin?
But first, consumers may be curious why Aston Martin is the first to receive Apple CarPlay Ultra (ACPU), and not a more mass-market automaker like Honda, Toyota, GM, etc. This actually stems from Aston’s relationship with Mercedes-Benz: Its prior generation of infotainment software was borrowed from the German brand. Though, not its best. Instead, MB let Aston use its older software that was already dated when it showed up on Aston’s screens. Much to the chagrin of reviewers, including myself—using this convoluted and dated interface was pretty much my only gripe when I drove the previous-generation Aston Martin Vantage in 2020.
Therefore, Aston was primed for getting the newest version of something in its latest lineup of the Vantage, DB12, Vanquish, DBX, and more. Though, it’s not like Aston was bangin’ on the door at Apple Park in Silicon Valley, aggressively expressing its interest in partnership. A big factor in its decision was customer feedback, which was overwhelmingly in favor of CarPlay integration. Additionally, its customers tend to have several cars in their fleets, so helping them have easy connectivity across the board is a smart business decision.
The two companies began partnering on the system’s integration as far back as October of 2022. Though, while I chatted with Aston personnel, they made it abundantly clear that a main focus was to not lose its brand character, and not integrate every control with Apple. In fact, the latest native Linux-based system is already very nice to use, as I experienced in the latest 2025 Vantage. They learned a lot from one-another, too: Apple got a lesson in international safety requirements for important automotive system messages, and Aston soaked up a lot of Apple’s design background.
What’s Apple CarPlay Ultra Like?
To utilize ACPU in not just an Aston Martin, but any other vehicle where it will become available, users must have an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 or newer. Once wirelessly paired (the only method), my first impression was that the interface was quite chic, clean, and easy-to-use. Any CarPlay fan wouldn’t have an issue getting used to it, either.
But it’s not just a refreshed look. Because it integrates further into the factory software, ACPU also blended into the DBX707’s digital dash. There are several themes to choose from for a little customization, however, users can’t utilize their own background image like they can with any Apple product.
Vehicle climate control and drive modes are selectable in ACPU, which was easy to get used to, as well as several active safety features. In fact, there are few tasks that require leaving and then re-entering ACPU. But luckily, this too was quite seamless: Simply select a dropdown from the top of the screen to jump in or out. I liked this the most, as it’s something that would significantly reduce consumer stumbling. Rather than a few moments of tapping and swiping-—while safely navigating a vehicle on public roads—just tap/swipe once. In fact, there seemed to be a generally lesser amount of tapping and swiping altogether to do various functions, which shows the lengths that Aston and Apple went to with seamlessness as a collective goal.
Simplicity Appreciated, and Future-Proofing
This was quite appreciated in the ravenous DBX707. Even while slogging through afternoon traffic on the west-side of Los Angeles, I wanted to keep my taps and swipes to a minimum and instead sit back and look for every opportunity to wring out this mighty super SUV. Nearly 700 horsepower is no joke, immense fun to play with, and the noises that its twin-turbo AMG-sourced V8 emit are uncanny.
This sums up Apple CarPlay Ultra well: a beautiful, easy-to-use system that allows drivers to easily configure what they need to, and ensure the most efficient smiles-per-gallon experience possible. Oh, and safe, too, of course.
Finally, it must be said that integrating ACPU into any brand’s vehicles helps it hedge against design decisions that may not be looked back on favorably. We’ve seen it since screens became a thing nearly 20 years ago: some design and UI choices have aged well, but many haven’t. Aston’s current native software is great, but whether it’ll be deemed dated at some point in a few years remains to be seen. Having ACPU helps relieve automakers of any such future potential critique.