Apple CarPlay Ultra Gears Up for Hyundai and Kia, While Tesla Sticks with Standard Version

In a major expansion of its next-generation in-car experience, Apple is preparing to bring CarPlay Ultra to at least one major Hyundai or Kia model later this year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. This marks a significant step beyond its current exclusive partnership with Aston Martin, signaling Apple’s ambitions to dominate the automotive infotainment landscape across a broader range of vehicles.

From Aston Martin to Hyundai/Kia: The Ultra Expansion

When Apple first unveiled CarPlay Ultra at WWDC 2022, it was positioned as a revolutionary leap forward—a deeply integrated, next-gen version of CarPlay that could control not just media and navigation, but also vehicle-specific functions like climate control, gauges, and more. Initially, only Aston Martin’s luxury lineup was slated to support the platform, making it a niche offering for high-end buyers.

Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that CarPlay Ultra is headed to “at least one major new Hyundai/Kia model in the second half of this year.” This is a pivotal move, as Hyundai and Kia are among the world’s largest automakers, known for their blend of affordability, technology, and mass-market appeal. The expansion could bring Ultra’s advanced features to millions of new drivers, not just the elite few.

Rumors have long suggested that Hyundai’s upcoming IONIQ 3 EV—an entry-level electric vehicle expected to debut in April and launch later this year—will be among the first to support CarPlay Ultra. With a projected range of 365 miles and a price point aimed at mainstream buyers, the IONIQ 3 could be the perfect vehicle to showcase Apple’s vision for the future of in-car tech.

Tesla’s CarPlay Plans: Standard, Not Ultra

While CarPlay Ultra is expanding its reach, Tesla is taking a different approach. In November, Gurman broke the news that Tesla was working on integrating standard CarPlay support into its vehicles. Today’s report confirms that this integration is “still in the works” and that more details are expected “soon.”

Unlike other automakers embracing CarPlay Ultra, Tesla is planning to support only the standard version of the platform. According to Bloomberg, Tesla’s user interface will display CarPlay as a separate window within the existing Tesla software experience. This means the two interfaces will coexist rather than CarPlay taking over the entire screen. Tesla is also planning to support wireless CarPlay, offering a seamless connection for iPhone users.

This decision is notable, as Tesla has long prided itself on its proprietary infotainment system and over-the-air updates. By integrating standard CarPlay rather than Ultra, Tesla is maintaining control over its user experience while still offering iPhone users the familiarity and convenience of Apple’s ecosystem.

What This Means for Drivers

The expansion of CarPlay Ultra to Hyundai and Kia models represents a major milestone for Apple’s automotive ambitions. For drivers, this could mean a more cohesive and intuitive in-car experience, with tighter integration between their iPhone and vehicle systems. Features like advanced navigation, personalized climate controls, and real-time vehicle data could become standard across a wider range of vehicles.

For Tesla owners, the addition of standard CarPlay offers a welcome alternative for those who prefer Apple’s interface for media, messaging, and navigation. However, the decision to keep CarPlay as a separate window—rather than a full takeover—reflects Tesla’s commitment to its own software ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

As Apple continues to expand CarPlay Ultra to new automakers and models, the competition in the in-car tech space is heating up. With Hyundai and Kia on board, and Tesla adding standard CarPlay support, iPhone users will soon have more options than ever for integrating their devices with their vehicles.

The automotive industry is at a crossroads, with traditional automakers and tech companies vying for control of the dashboard. Apple’s push with CarPlay Ultra is a clear signal that it sees the car as the next frontier for its ecosystem. Whether you’re driving a luxury Aston Martin, a cutting-edge Hyundai EV, or a Tesla, the future of in-car tech is looking more Apple-centric than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as these rollouts unfold, and get ready to experience the next generation of driving with CarPlay Ultra.

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