ChatGPT and CarPlay Ultra: Apple’s Next-Gen In-Car Experience Rolls Out

Apple is ushering in a new era of in‑car technology with the rollout of CarPlay Ultra, the evolution of its popular CarPlay system.

This significant update is designed to create a deeply integrated experience, seamlessly merging the capabilities of the iPhone with the core functions and displays of modern vehicles. The initial deployment begins with select Aston Martin models, setting the stage for wider adoption across the automotive industry.

Amidst the excitement for these enhanced in‑car capabilities, technology enthusiasts are also speculating about potential future AI integrations, such as with models like ChatGPT. However, it’s important to note that OpenAI has not made any official statements regarding plans to bring ChatGPT to CarPlay Ultra.

Starting today, CarPlay Ultra is available in new Aston Martin vehicles ordered in the U.S. and Canada.

Owners of existing compatible Aston Martin models equipped with the brand’s latest infotainment system can anticipate availability via a software update in the coming weeks.

Apple describes CarPlay Ultra as building on the foundation of CarPlay to provide the “ultimate in‑car experience” by deeply integrating with the vehicle’s systems. This integration allows it to power and display information across all of the driver’s screens—including the critical instrument cluster—while reflecting the unique design language of each automaker.

The launch with Aston Martin is just the beginning: other major automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, have already committed to bringing CarPlay Ultra to their future models.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice‑president of Worldwide Product Marketing, highlighted the impact of CarPlay and the vision for Ultra:

“iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers, we are re‑imagining the in‑car experience, making it even more unified and consistent.”

He emphasized that this next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, while deeply integrating with the car’s systems and showcasing the unique look and feel of each automaker.

Deeper Integration Than Ever Before

The most striking aspect of CarPlay Ultra is its pervasive integration throughout the car’s digital landscape. It can provide dynamic content for all driver displays, including the instrument cluster located directly in front of the driver.

This means essential driving information—such as the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature—can be presented with visually appealing and dynamic options that maintain a consistent aesthetic across every screen.

Drivers gain the flexibility to prioritize and display the information most relevant to them. Content from their iPhone, like real‑time navigation from Apple Maps or current track information, can be shown alongside crucial data originating from the car’s own systems, such as advanced driver‑assistance indicators or individual tire‑pressure readings.

This consolidation of information in the instrument cluster reduces the need for drivers to shift their gaze between different screens, potentially enhancing focus and safety.

Control is also significantly enhanced. Drivers can manage standard vehicle functions—operating the radio, adjusting climate settings, or navigating menus—using familiar on‑screen controls, physical buttons already present in the car, or voice commands powered by Siri.

Furthermore, CarPlay Ultra extends this control to advanced, vehicle‑specific features like complex audio‑system configurations or performance‑oriented settings, offering a fluid and seamless interaction experience that leverages the iPhone’s power and interface consistency.

The system also introduces widgets powered by iPhone apps. These are designed to fit perfectly into different screen sizes and shapes within the dashboard and gauge cluster, providing easily digestible information at a glance without opening full applications.

A Design Unique to Each Automaker

A critical consideration for both luxury and mass‑market brands is maintaining their distinctive identity within the vehicle cabin.

CarPlay Ultra addresses this by allowing manufacturers to infuse their specific design philosophy into the system’s look and feel. Custom themes are not generic templates: they are crafted through close collaboration between Apple’s design teams and those of each automaker.

This ensures that the resulting interface feels tailor‑made for the vehicle model, reflecting the expected aesthetics and quality.

Beyond the base themes, drivers can further personalize colors and wallpapers, allowing the display experience to match both their tastes and the vehicle’s interior styling.

Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin’s CEO, commented on this collaborative approach:

“Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra… The integration of CarPlay Ultra is a clear example of our dedication to work with the best companies in the world to bring unique experiences and capabilities to our customers.”

He added that CarPlay Ultra “provides additional functionality and personalization opportunities, which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.”

Availability

The initial rollout of CarPlay Ultra is focused on new Aston Martin orders in the U.S. and Canada, expanding to existing compatible models in those regions soon via a software update.

Over the next 12 months, Apple plans to bring CarPlay Ultra to vehicles from additional global automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

To use CarPlay Ultra, drivers will need an iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later. Further details on specific vehicle‑lineup availability and update procedures for Aston Martin can be found via the company’s official channels.

What About ChatGPT Integration?

Given the rapid advancements in artificial‑intelligence models like ChatGPT, it is natural to wonder whether such capabilities might eventually appear in platforms like CarPlay Ultra.

A deeply integrated AI assistant could enhance voice interactions, provide richer contextual assistance, or summarize incoming messages and news on the go—assuming all is done safely and without distraction.

However, as of May 2025 there has been no public confirmation from OpenAI regarding plans to integrate ChatGPT with CarPlay Ultra, and Apple’s own press materials focus squarely on Siri and vehicle integration.

While the platform is designed to be extensible, any future collaboration would require explicit announcements from both Apple and OpenAI. Until then, users interested in large‑language‑model interactions in their car will need to rely on standalone apps—if and when they become available and compatible with CarPlay—rather than on a system‑level chatbot.

CarPlay Ultra represents a meaningful evolution of Apple’s presence in the automotive space. By extending iPhone functionality across multiple vehicle screens and allowing deep integration with car systems and customizable design, it aims to provide