Apple has introduced the next generation of CarPlay, called CarPlay Ultra, which can take over the instrument display and core features like temperature controls. Meanwhile, Google announced a deepened partnership with Volvo at its developer conference Google I/O, where the Swedish manufacturer will serve as a reference for Android car development.
While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring have become the norm in new cars, both tech giants are looking ahead to the next step in the in-car tech experience. This will allow drivers to have a more personalised infotainment experience compared to the sometimes lacklustre onboard systems.
CarPlay Ultra has access to the digital dashboard and vehicle settings
Let’s start with Apple. The iPhone maker is finally starting to roll out its next-gen CarPlay system, CarPlay Ultra, which was first announced in 2022. CarPlay Ultra has a deeper integration with the car’s onboard electronics, meaning it can take over digital instrument clusters and core functions like the radio, climate controls, and even performance settings.
This means drivers won’t have to switch between CarPlay and the onboard infotainment system for most of the vehicle’s settings, as is currently the case. To run CarPlay Ultra, you need an iPhone 12 or later, iOS 18.5 or later, and, of course, a compatible vehicle.
Aston Martin first, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis coming soon
However, not every carmaker will have CarPlay Ultra from launch. Currently, only new Aston Martin models in the U.S. and Canada have it, with the rest of the world coming in the next 12 months. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are coming soon. Porsche was also previously announced as a partner, but the German manufacturer has not yet revealed when it will introduce CarPlay Ultra.
This delay has multiple reasons. To start, not every car manufacturer wants Apple to have access to all of this vehicle data and settings. With this integration, CarPlay Ultra knows everything from vehicle speed to data from the driver assistance systems and vehicle faults like low tire pressure.
However, the manufacturers also need to put in an additional layer of effort, as they can design their own look and feel for CarPlay Ultra’s digital dashboard. Drivers can switch between multiple themes, several of which are designed in collaboration between Apple and the automakers.
Google and Volvo are working together on in-car Android development
Google, meanwhile, is also pushing forward with Android integration in vehicles, but not through a smartphone. More and more car manufacturers like Renault, Audi, and Volvo are running Android Automotive OS for their infotainment systems.
Volvo was actually a pioneer of the system, and now, the collaboration between the Swedish automaker and the American tech giant is deepening. Later this year, new Volvo models with Google built-in will get access to Gemini, Google’s AI technology with a large language model (LLM) that allows for natural conversation. Gemini replaces the old Google Assistant.
Volvo cars will also become the reference hardware platform for Google’s development work on the Android automotive operating system. That means Volvo will be the first to enjoy the latest Android Automotive updates and features.
