Akmal Azhar
BMW Confirms It Will Not Support Apple CarPlay Ultra
BMW has officially stated that it has no intention of integrating Apple’s latest CarPlay Ultra system into its vehicles. Instead, the German automaker remains committed to its proprietary infotainment system, iDrive. This position highlights growing resistance among car manufacturers to handing over dashboard control to tech giants.
What is CarPlay Ultra?
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, unveiled at WWDC 2022 and launched in May 2025, goes far beyond traditional smartphone mirroring. It is designed to take over multiple in-car functions—including instrument clusters, climate controls, and heads-up displays—essentially becoming the central user interface in vehicles.
Limited Launch With Aston Martin
Despite Apple initially listing over a dozen car brands as partners, CarPlay Ultra debuted solely with Aston Martin. Apple had promised support from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and others, but many of these manufacturers have since opted out.
Automakers Begin To Withdraw
Several premium brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault, have clarified they will not implement CarPlay Ultra. Renault executives reportedly warned Apple not to interfere with automakers’ own infotainment systems, signaling a broader trend of resistance from legacy brands.
Porsche and Hyundai Remain Supportive
Among the few still aligned with Apple’s vision are Porsche and the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. These companies appear more open to Apple’s deeper integration, though exact timelines for rollout remain uncertain.
Silence from Other Major Brands
Companies like Ford, Nissan, and Infiniti have yet to officially announce their stance. Their silence may reflect internal deliberations on balancing consumer expectations with strategic control over software platforms.
Control and Profit: The Real Battle
Automakers increasingly see infotainment systems as profit centers, enabling data collection, subscriptions, and custom software experiences. Allowing Apple to dominate the interface threatens this control. General Motors has already dropped support for both CarPlay and Android Auto in its new EVs in favor of its own Ultifi system.
Strong Consumer Demand for CarPlay
Despite automakers’ reluctance, surveys show drivers overwhelmingly prefer CarPlay interfaces over manufacturer-designed systems. Apple’s popularity in the U.S. and beyond puts pressure on automakers to offer it or risk alienating customers.
Apple’s Data Privacy Assurance
Apple insists CarPlay Ultra maintains a strict privacy boundary, with no extra data shared between the car and the iPhone. The company also claims it collaborates with automakers to keep each vehicle’s brand identity intact, rather than replacing it with a generic Apple look.
CarPlay Ultra’s Future Uncertain
As of now, Aston Martin is the only brand actively implementing CarPlay Ultra. Porsche and the Hyundai group may follow, but most automakers remain undecided—or have already rejected it. The battle over who controls the car’s digital experience is clearly escalating, with no clear winner in sight.
Yusri Ng
