Apple’s ambitious CarPlay Ultra was supposed to turn your car’s dashboard into a seamless iPhone extension. But nearly three years after its big reveal, automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volvo are hitting the brakes — sending a clear message to Apple: hands off our vehicle systems.

Here’s why the fight for control of your car’s interface is heating up — and how it could shape your next vehicle decision.

What does CarPlay Ultra actually take over?

Standard CarPlay acts like a well-behaved guest — it stays on the infotainment screen, letting you use Apple Maps or control music. CarPlay Ultra, however, wants full run of the house. Apple touts it as a way to "bring the best of iPhone and the best of the car together" — meaning it doesn’t just mirror your phone, it takes over your digital instrument cluster, climate settings, and even vehicle diagnostics.

The customization is where it really shines. Drivers can pick from sleek instrument panel themes, switch between analog-style dials and minimalist Apple-designed bars, and pull iPhone widgets directly into their dashboard. This isn’t just mirroring — it’s Apple redefining how you interact with your car.

The system requires an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 18.5 and connects wirelessly from ignition start, removing the annoying delay current CarPlay users often face. Impressive? Absolutely. But availability has been painfully slow.

Originally announced in 2022, CarPlay Ultra didn’t launch until May 2025 — and only in Aston Martin vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, missing Apple’s initial timeline by about five months.

Why are Mercedes and others saying no?

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola K?llenius was blunt when asked about CarPlay Ultra: “The short answer is no” — the company won’t hand over control of its cockpit, including the passenger display, to Apple.

His reasoning highlights a core concern across the auto industry: automakers see their software platforms as the "central nervous system" of the vehicle. They argue that only the manufacturer can properly integrate everything from battery management to driver-assist tech. It’s not just about pride — it’s about safety, functionality, and maintaining full system coherence.

Mercedes isn’t alone. Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault have all confirmed they have “no plans” to adopt CarPlay Ultra, despite earlier interest. The hesitation isn’t just about control — it’s about data and revenue. When drivers use Apple’s interface instead of the carmaker’s native system, automakers lose valuable user insights and engagement opportunities.

This pushback makes more sense when you consider that over 90% of new cars already support standard CarPlay. Yet automakers still feel they’re losing influence when customers bypass their branded software for Apple’s familiar ecosystem.

GM says no to all CarPlay — even the standard version

While most brands accept standard CarPlay but reject Ultra, General Motors took a radical step: it removed both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its EV lineup starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.

GM claims its native system offers superior EV-specific features — like more precise battery monitoring, smarter charging route planning, and better preconditioning — that phone-based systems can’t match. But customers weren’t convinced.

Public reaction was fierce. One survey found that 87% of buyers consider the lack of smartphone integration a “dealbreaker.” That backlash created an opening for White Automotive, which developed an aftermarket fix to restore CarPlay — until GM blocked it, citing risks to “critical safety features.”

Other EV-focused brands like Tesla and Rivian have always used in-house software. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe framed it as a design principle: CarPlay “isn’t consistent with how we think about creating a pure product experience.” Unlike GM, they’re not rejecting it for cost reasons — but for experience control.

Who’s actually on board with CarPlay Ultra?

So who’s embracing Apple’s vision? The list is shockingly short. Aston Martin is the sole launch partner, with CarPlay Ultra rolling out via dealer software updates for compatible models.

Beyond that, the pipeline is thin. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have committed to future integration, and Porsche remains on board since the original 2022 announcement. Jaguar Land Rover says it’s “evaluating” the system — corporate speak for “we’re not sold yet.”

This limited adoption stands in stark contrast to Apple’s 2022 debut, which featured 14 automaker logos suggesting broad support. Three years later, that optimism has faded as carmakers weighed the cost of ceding deeper control over their vehicles.

Where is this all headed?

For Apple, CarPlay Ultra isn’t just a feature — it’s a lifeline. After canceling its own Apple Car project, expanding CarPlay is now Apple’s best shot at embedding its software deeply into the automotive world and staying part of your daily routine during long commutes.

But automakers aren’t ready to hand over the keys — literally. Apple seems to be adapting. With standard CarPlay already supporting over 600 million daily sessions and consistently preferred by users over built-in systems, Apple is doubling down on improving the existing experience.

You Should Know: This fall’s iOS 26 update will bring CarPlay Ultra features — like widgets, Live Activities, and enhanced messaging — to regular CarPlay. This move could reduce the need for full Ultra adoption by giving iPhone users advanced tools without forcing automakers to surrender deeper vehicle access.

The bottom line may come down to what drivers really want. Do you need Apple controlling your A/C and speedometer — or is seamless app integration enough? Given automakers’ resistance and Apple’s shift to enhance standard CarPlay, the answer seems clear: thanks, Apple, but we’ll stick with what works.

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