Overview
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that at least one major Hyundai or Kia model is slated to add CarPlay Ultra in the second half of 2026.
- Apple launched the next-generation interface last year, with availability so far limited to Aston Martin vehicles.
- Tesla is reportedly working on the regular version of CarPlay with wireless support in a separate window, and it is not planning to use CarPlay Ultra.
- CarPlay Ultra spans instrument clusters and core vehicle functions such as radio, climate controls, camera feeds, and vehicle data, which requires bespoke designs for each model.
- Automaker interest remains split, with BMW, Ford, and Rivian downplaying Ultra and GM dropping regular CarPlay in new EVs; prior reports tied Hyundai’s IONIQ 3 EV to Ultra, though the specific model remains unconfirmed.