Apple Dominates the Car OS: In-Depth Analysis of ‘CarPlay Ultra’ First Installed in Aston Martin

애플의 차세대 인포테인먼트 시스템인 '카플레이 울트라'가 자동차 업계를 뒤흔들며 드디어 현실로 다가왔습니다. 이 시스템은 영국의 럭셔리 스포츠카 브랜드인 애스턴 마틴의 새로운 모델에 세계 최초로 장착되어, 차량 내 디지털 경험의 새로운 장을 열고 있습니다. 단순한 스마트폰 화면 미러링을 넘어 차량 운영 체제(OS) 자체에 도전하는 애플의 야망이 본격적으로 드러난 순간이 아닐 수 없습니다. 이제 구체적인 방법을 아래에서 확인해보도록 하겠습니다.

Apple’s next-generation infotainment system, Apple CarPlay Ultra, which shook the automotive industry when it was first unveiled at WWDC 2022, has finally become a reality. The British luxury sports car brand Aston Martin has equipped its new model with this system for the first time in the world, opening a new chapter in the digital experience within vehicles. This marks the first step in showcasing Apple’s grand ambition to go beyond simple smartphone screen ‘mirroring’ and challenge the vehicle’s operating system (OS) itself.

‘Perfect Integration’ Beyond Simple Mirroring

While the existing CarPlay only served as a ‘monitor’ displaying the smartphone’s operations on the screen, CarPlay Ultra is deeply integrated with the vehicle’s core systems. It not only displays vehicle data such as speed and fuel level on the dashboard but also allows direct control of unique vehicle functions like climate control and radio within the CarPlay interface.

• Dashboard Domination: All displays in the vehicle, especially the digital dashboard in front of the driver, are expanded with Apple’s UI. Speed, RPM, maps, media information, and more are all expressed in Apple’s design language.
• Vehicle Function Control: Operations that previously required leaving CarPlay, such as climate control, seat heating, and changing radio frequencies, can now be directly controlled within CarPlay using Siri voice commands or the touchscreen.
• Manufacturer Customization: Apple provides tools for manufacturers to customize graphics and themes to maintain their brand identity. Aston Martin has also developed a dedicated theme reflecting its design philosophy.

Experience in the Aston Martin DBX 707

The Aston Martin DBX 707, which is the first in the world to feature CarPlay Ultra, offers drivers a completely new experience. When an iPhone is connected, CarPlay Ultra automatically boots up without any additional operation, and both the 10.25-inch center screen and digital dashboard operate with Apple’s UI. Drivers can freely switch between various layouts, from an analog-style dashboard to a full-screen map, using the touchpad on the steering wheel. Additionally, some unique vehicle functions, such as audio tuning, appear within CarPlay through a ‘punch-through UI,’ maintaining consistency in the user experience.

Manufacturers’ Dilemma: Welcome and Resistance

In addition to Aston Martin, several manufacturers, including Porsche, Ford, Volvo, and Renault, have confirmed the introduction of CarPlay Ultra. However, not all manufacturers are welcoming the idea of handing over control to Apple. GM has taken the drastic step of withdrawing support for CarPlay, and the CEO of Mercedes-Benz has expressed a cautious stance, stating, “We cannot hand over the entire dashboard to an external company.” This indicates that a serious power struggle between automotive manufacturers and big tech companies over vehicle data and the digital ecosystem has begun.

Release Schedule and Requirements

Apple CarPlay Ultra will be standard equipment in major new models such as the Aston Martin DBX, DB12, and Vantage, which will be sold in the United States and Canada starting May 15, 2025. Some older models released after 2023 will also be supported through software updates. To use the system, an iPhone model 12 or later with iOS 18.5 or higher is required.