What is Apple CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra?

Apple CarPlay is a smartphone mirroring system found on the majority of new cars. By connecting to your iPhone, via a cable or Bluetooth, the system allows you to access many of your smartphone’s features – such as messaging, calling, music services or navigation – from your car’s touchscreen. It does this by projecting a simplified version of your phone’s home screen onto your car’s infotainment screen.

Using Apple CarPlay is a great way to stay connected on the move, because it’s illegal to hold or use a mobile phone while driving. However, how can you make the most out of CarPlay, and what improvements are Apple making with the introduction of CarPlay Ultra? 

Here, we take a deep dive into how to get CarPlay set up, the many ways you can use it, plus we show you whether your car or phone supports it. We also explain the pros and cons of using it, as well as the new features that CarPlay Ultra will add.

How does Apple CarPlay work and how to connect CarPlay

Firstly, it’s important to note that if your iPhone supports the technology, you don’t need to install an Apple CarPlay app, because it’s functionality that’s already built into your phone and compatible cars. 

You can connect your iPhone to your car’s infotainment screen using a USB-A port, a USB-C port or a wireless Bluetooth connection. Some cars come with wireless CarPlay as standard, so it’s worth checking whether a car has this. Below is a list of cars with Apple CarPlay functionality to help you get started.

Apple CarPlay is controlled in the same manner as you’d operate anything else via your car’s infotainment system. For some cars that’ll mean using buttons or a rotary dial, although the most common approach is to use your car’s touchscreen, which is good, because it’s the easiest and quickest way to navigate around the system.

Alternatively, you can use your iPhone’s Siri function to control Apple CarPlay by speaking (for example, by dictating a text message). In some cars, Siri can be activated by a press of a button, but in all circumstances can be triggered by the usual “Hey Siri” command.

Depending on which car and which iPhone you have, you may need to buy a new iPhone charging cable because new cars increasingly favour the latest USB-C sockets over regular USB (somethings called USB-A). Websites such as Amazon have a cheap and plentiful supply; just make sure you choose one marked ‘MFI’, or ‘made for iPhone’ to ensure the best connectivity.

To connect using a USB cable, first connect your phone via its Lightning or USB-C socket, then plug the USB-A or USB-C end into the appropriate port on your car. This will usually be located below the infotainment system at the base of the centre console. 

Once it’s all hooked up, a message should appear asking if you want to start Apple CarPlay. Simply press ‘yes’ and the service will start.

If your car allows the use of CarPlay with Bluetooth, you’ll receive a prompt on your iPhone to enable the wireless connection with your car for future journeys. You must switch on Bluetooth to enable this.

How to use wireless Apple CarPlay

There are two ways of connecting an iPhone to wireless CarPlay. The first is to use your car’s ‘voice command’ or ‘call’ button on the steering wheel (you’ll need to press and hold it for a few seconds), and the second is connecting via the ‘settings’ or ‘CarPlay’ app on your infotainment system, then enabling the pairing mode.

Once either of those steps is complete, go to the ‘settings’ app on your Apple device and select ‘general’. From there, select ‘CarPlay’ then ‘available cars’, and select your car. Your car’s infotainment screen should then prompt you to begin Apple CarPlay.

Some cars have wireless charging, which is handy if your iPhone supports it. But if your car doesn’t charge wirelessly, you should still carry a charging cable to avoid a flat phone battery.

What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Apple CarPlay Ultra is a major overhaul of the standard system that adds a number of new features to offer better integration with the car and a more intuitive experience.

One of the biggest changes between CarPlay Ultra and the standard system is the introduction of a customisable instrument panel. This lets you choose from a range of different layouts (designed by both Apple and the car’s manufacturer) and choose from a range of widgets that display information from your phone. This is particularly useful because it allows drivers to display their satnav directions (from services such as Apple Maps) alongside key information about the car, like the speedometer, fuel level and tyre pressures.

CarPlay Ultra also introduces a number of changes to the central touchscreen. The most notable of these is the inclusion of radio and air conditioning controls. While standard CarPlay requires drivers to lower the temperature or change radio stations, Ultra features app icons for both within the main menu. Both features can also be controlled via any physical buttons the car may have and through voice commands via Siri.

Like the instrument panel, CarPlay Ultra also lets drivers customise the touchscreen by selecting a number of widgets to be displayed on the home screen. This includes an analog clock, a list of upcoming events in your calendar, or a summary of the weather. 

Apple CarPlay Ultra will launch first in America on Aston Martin’s core range of cars, such as the DBX and Vantage, with UK models getting the feature as standard from autumn 2025. However, the system will also be introduced on cars from other manufacturers at a later date, with the tech company currently working with brands including Genesis, Hyundai and Kia.

In addition to a CarPlay Ultra compatible model, you’ll also need to have a mobile device that is no older than an iPhone 12, running iOS 18.5 or later.

If you have a car that’s compatible with CarPlay Ultra but don’t have an iPhone that works with it, you will see the standard instrument panel and central touchscreen displays designed by the manufacturer.

Best CarPlay apps: which apps have Apple CarPlay functionality?

Many Apple services that are pre-installed on your iPhone support CarPlay, as well as a large number of third-party apps. Many of the best and most popular CarPlay apps can be downloaded and used for free, although some may require a paid-for subscription to unlock more advanced features.

There are dozens of compatible apps available, but these are widely regarded as some of the best Apple CarPlay apps:

Best CarPlay navigation apps

Apple Maps – comes pre-installed on every iPhone

Google Maps – the default app providing real-time traffic information

Waze – another great, free app, which offers real-time traffic and road hazard information

Best CarPlay music apps

Spotify – a popular streaming service for music and podcasts. It’s free to use with adverts

Amazon Music – a music and podcast streaming service for Amazon Prime users

Apple Music – a subscription-based music streaming service that comes pre-installed on your iPhone

Apple Podcasts – a subscription-based podcast streaming service that comes pre-installed on your iPhone

Audible – a subscription-based audiobook and podcast streaming service. It’s owned by Amazon, but it isn’t linked to Amazon Prime

Other great CarPlay apps

WhatsApp – a free messaging and calling app that helps you stay connected while driving.

Microsoft Teams – an app that enables you to make Teams calls while driving.

Best CarPlay apps for electric cars

Zap Map – a popular charging point locator app. You can only use it on CarPlay if you have a premium subscription. 

Charge Point – an electric car charging app that helps you locate charging points as well as pay for charging through the app.

Much like your iPhone, Apple is regularly updating Apple CarPlay. In 2021, for example, it added the ability to lock and unlock a car via the pre-installed Apple car keys app (found in your Apple Wallet). This feature is only available on select cars, such as the BMW 1 Series, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 3, though.

What are the pros of Apple CarPlay?

The main benefit of Apple CarPlay is safety, because it helps to minimise distraction while driving. On top of this, the CarPlay operating system is very intuitive to use, featuring a very similar layout to many drivers’ phones. Other benefits include access to third party apps; some built-in infotainment systems don’t offer these.

What are the cons of Apple CarPlay?

Even though Apple CarPlay helps to minimise distraction while driving, it can still take your eyes away from the road, particularly when messages are flashing up on the infotainment screen. As with most touchscreen-based infotainment systems, it can also prove distracting to use as you prod at the screen while driving, thus taking your hands off the wheel. Other foibles include a sometimes buggy operating system, as well as lag caused by poor phone signal. 

Are there any alternatives?

If you use an iPhone, Apple CarPlay is the only smartphone mirroring system you can use. However, alternatives are available for users of Android phones, including Android Auto and MirrorLink. Android Auto offers very similar functionality to CarPlay, because it offers the ability to display messaging, music services and navigation on your car’s infotainment screen. Most cars with Apple CarPlay compatibility are also capable of running Android Auto.

Apple CarPlay installation: can I add Apple CarPlay to an older car?

Yes. You can buy aftermarket infotainment systems from Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony and other brands to effectively add a modern system to an older car. Some units include additional features, such as a rear-view camera, as well as the option of using Android Auto.

Expect to pay from £280 to £1000 to purchase one. You may also need to factor in the cost of professional installation.

If your car has a ‘double-DIN’ stereo (often referred to as a head unit), installation can be fairly straightforward; if not, installation could be quite complex.

Which cars support Apple CarPlay?

Most new cars support Apple CarPlay as standard, but there are some notable exceptions where you have to pay extra for it. For example, Dacia and Fiat charge extra for CarPlay compatibility on entry-level trims of their most affordable cars, or they may require you to upgrade to a more expensive trim level to get it. Some brands, including Tesla, don’t offer Apple CarPlay at all.

New cars with Apple CarPlay:

Abarth 695
Abarth 500e
Abarth 600e
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo Junior
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Alpina B3/B3 Touring
Alpina D3/D3 Touring
Alpina B4/D4
Alpina B5/B5 Touring
Alpina B8
Alpine XD3
Alpina XB7
Alpine A110
Alpine A290
Aston Martin Vantage/Vantage Roadster
Aston Martin DB12/DB12 Volante
Aston Martin DBS/DBS Volante
Aston Martin DBX
Audi A1
Audi A3/A3 Saloon/S3/RS3
Audi A5/A5 Avant
Audi A6/A6 Avant/RS6/A6 e-tron
Audi A7/RS7
Audi A8/S8
Audi E-tron GT
Audi Q2/SQ2
Audi Q3/Q3 Sportback/RS Q3
Audi Q4 e-tron/Q4 Sportback e-tron
Audi Q5/Q5 Sportback
Audi Q6 e-tron/Q6 Sportback e-tron
Audi Q7/SQ7
Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8
Audi Q8 E-tron/Q8 E-tron Sportback
Bentley Continental GT/Continental GTC
Bentley Flying Spur
Bentley Bentayga
BMW 1 Series
BMW 2 Series/2 Series Gran Coupé/2 Series Active Tourer
BMW 3 Series/3 Series Touring/M3
BMW 4 Series Coupé/4 Series Convertible/M4
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé
BMW i4
BMW 5 Series/5 Series Touring
BMW i5/i5 Touring
BMW 7 Series
BMW i7
BMW 8 Series/8 Series Convertible/8 Series Coupé
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé/M8
BMW X1/iX1
BMW X2/iX2
BMW X3/iX3
BMW X4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW iX
BMW XM
BMW Z4
BYD Dolphin Surf
BYD Dolphin
BYD Seal
BYD Atto 3
BYD Seal U
BYD Sealion 7
Cadillac Lyriq
Chevrolet Corvette
Citroën C3/e-C3
Citroën C3 Aircross/e-C3 Aircross
Citroën C4/e-C4
Citroën C4 X/e-C4 X
Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën C5 X
Citroën Berlingo/e-Berlingo
Citroën SpaceTourer/e-SpaceTourer
Cupra Born
Cupra Leon/Leon Estate
Cupra Formentor
Cupra Ateca
Cupra Terramar
Cupra Tavascan
Dacia Spring (upper trims)
Dacia Sandero/Sandero Stepway (upper trims)
Dacia Duster (upper trims)
Dacia Bigster
Dacia Jogger (upper trims)
DS3/DS3 E-Tense
DS4
DS7
DS No.8
DS9
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari 296 GTB/296 GTS
Ferrari 812 Superfast
Ferrari SF90
Ferrari Purosangue
Fiat 500 Electric/500 Electric Convertible
Fiat Grande Panda/Grande Panda Electric
Fiat 600/600e
Ford Focus/Focus Estate/Focus ST
Ford Puma/Puma ST/Puma Gen-E
Ford Kuga
Ford Explorer
Ford Capri
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford Tourneo Courier/Tourneo Connect
Ford Mustang/Mustang Convertible
Genesis G80/Electrified G80
Genesis GV60
Genesis GV70/Electrified GV70
GWM Haval Jolion Pro
GWM Ora 03
Honda Jazz
Honda Civic
Honda HR-V
Honda e:Ny1
Honda ZR-V
Honda CR-V
Hyundai i10
Hyundai Inster
Hyundai i20/i20N
Hyundai i30/i30 Tourer
Hyundai Ioniq 5/Ioniq 5 N
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai Bayon
Hyundai Kona/Kona Electric
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Nexo
Hyundai Santa Fe
Ineos Grenadier
Jaecoo 7
Jeep Avenger/Avenger Electric
Jeep Renegade
Jeep Compass
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Grand Cherokee
KGM Tivoli
KGM Korando
KGM Torres/Torres EVX
KGM Rexton
KGM Actyon
Kia Picanto
Kia Ceed/Ceed Sportwagon
Kia ProCeed
Kia XCeed
Kia Stonic
Kia Niro/Niro EV
Kia Sportage
Kia EV6
Kia Sorento
Kia EV9
Lamborghini Huracan/Huracan Spyder
Lamborghini Revuelto
Lamborghini Urus
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover Defender (90/110/130)
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Land Rover Range Rover
Lexus ES
Lexus LS
Lexus LBX
Lexus UX/UX Electric
Lexus NX
Lexus RZ
Lexus RX
Lexus LM
Lotus Emeya
Lotus Eletre
Lotus Emira
Maserati Grecale/Grecale Folgore
Maserati GranTurismo/GranTurismo Folgore
Maserati GranCabrio/GranCabrio Folgore
Maserati MC20/MC20 Cielo
Maxus Mifa 7
Maxus Mifa 9
Mazda 2
Mazda 2 Hybrid
Mazda 3/3 Saloon
Mazda CX-30
Mazda MX-30 RE-V/MX-30 EV
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-60
Mazda CX-80
Mazda MX-5/MX-5 RF
McLaren Artura/Artura Spider
Mclaren GTS
Mercedes A-Class/A-Class Saloon
Mercedes B-Class
Mercedes CLA/CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes C-Class/C-Class Estate
Mercedes CLE Coupé/CLE Cabriolet
Mercedes E-Class/E-Class Estate
Mercedes EQE
Mercedes S-Class
Mercedes EQS
Mercedes GLA
Mercedes EQA
Mercedes GLB
Mercedes EQB
Mercedes GLC/GLC Coupé
Mercedes EQC
Mercedes GLE/GLE Coupé
Mercedes EQE SUV
Mercedes GLS
Mercedes EQS SUV
Mercedes G-Class
Mercedes SL
Mercedes AMG-GT
Mercedes V-Class
Mercedes EQV
MG3
MG4
MG5
MG ZS/ZS EV
MG S5
MG HS
MG Cyberster
Mini Cooper/Cooper Electric/Cooper Convertible
Mini Aceman
Mini Countryman/Countryman Electric
Nissan Juke
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Ariya
Nissan X-Trail
Omoda 5/E5
Omoda 9
Peugeot 208/e-208
Peugeot 308/e-308
Peugeot 308 SW/e-308 SW
Peugeot 408
Peugeot 2008/e-2008
Peugeot 3008/e-3008
Peugeot 5008/e-5008
Peugeot Rifter/e-Rifter
Peugeot Traveller/e-Traveller
Polestar 2
Polestar 3
Polestar 4
Porsche Panamera
Porsche Taycan/Taycan Cross Turismo/Taycan Sport Turismo
Porsche Macan
Porsche Macan Electric
Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne Coupé
Porsche 718 Cayman
Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche 911/911 Cabriolet
Renault 5
Renault Clio
Renault Megane
Renault Captur
Renault Symbioz
Renault Austral
Renault Arkana
Renault Scenic
Renault Rafale
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Seat Ibiza
Seat Leon/Leon Estate
Seat Arona
Seat Ateca
Skoda Fabia
Skoda Scala
Skoda Octavia/Octavia Estate
Skoda Superb/Superb Estate
Skoda Kamiq
Skoda Karoq
Skoda Elroq
Skoda Enyaq iV/Enyaq iV Coupé
Skoda Kodiaq
Skywell BE11
Smart #1
Smart #3
Subaru Outback
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Forester
Subaru Solterra
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swace
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki Across
Toyota Aygo X
Toyota Yaris/GR Yaris
Toyota Yaris Cross
Toyota Corolla/Corolla Touring Sports
Toyota Prius
Toyota C-HR
Toyota RAV4
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota Land Cruiser
Vauxhall Corsa/Corsa Electric
Vauxhall Astra/Astra Electric/Astra Sports Tourer/Astra Electric Sports Tourer
Vauxhall Frontera/Frontera Electric
Vauxhall Crossland
Vauxhall Mokka/Mokka Electric
Vauxhall Grandland
Vauxhall Combo Life/Combo Life Electric
Vauxhall Vivaro Life /Vivaro Life Electric
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Golf/Golf Estate/Golf GTI/Golf R
Volkswagen ID 3
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Arteon/Arteon Shooting Brake
Volkswagen ID 7/ID 7 Tourer
Volkswagen T-Cross
Volkswagen Taigo
Volkswagen T-Roc/T-Roc Cabrio
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen ID 4
Volkswagen ID 5
Volkswagen Tayron
Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen Multivan
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Volkswagen California
Volvo V60
Volvo V90
Volvo EX30
Volvo XC40
Volvo EX40
Volvo EC40
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Volvo EX90

Which cars support Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Aston Martin DB12 Coupe/DB12 Volante
Aston Martin DBX
Aston Martin Vantage Coupe/Vantage Roadster

Which devices support Apple CarPlay?

Every Apple iPhone fitted with a Lightning connector port and running iOS 7.1 or later supports CarPlay. This includes the following models:

iPhone 16*
iPhone 16e*
iPhone 16 Pro*
iPhone 15*
iPhone 15 Plus*
iPhone 15 Pro*
iPhone 15 Pro Max*
iPhone 14*
iPhone 14 Plus*
iPhone 14 Pro*
iPhone 14 Pro Max*
iPhone 13 Pro*
iPhone 13 Pro Max*
iPhone 13*
iPhone 13 mini*
iPhone 12 Pro*
iPhone 12 Pro Max*
iPhone 12*
iPhone 12 mini*
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone Xs
iPhone Xs Max
iPhone Xr
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6S
iPhone 6S Plus
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation – 2016-2020)
iPhone SE (2nd generation – 2020-2022)
iPhone SE (3rd generation – 2022-present)
iPhone 5S
iPhone 5C
iPhone 5

* Compatible with CarPlay Ultra

If you own one of the listed iPhones, it’s important to make sure it’s updated to the latest operating system so it guarantees compatibility with Apple CarPlay.

FAQs:

What does Apple CarPlay do?

Apple CarPlay aims to make accessing information from your phone easier and safer while driving. You can use it to make calls or send messages, stream music or podcasts, and utilise navigation services like Apple Maps and Waze.

Is there a monthly charge for Apple CarPlay?

No. So long as your phone and car are compatible with the service, Apple CarPlay is free to use. Do bear in mind that many apps it features will use your phone’s data, though.

How do I set up Apple CarPlay?

Depending on the car, you may be able to set up Apple CarPlay wirelessly via Bluetooth or using a USB cable. Plugging your phone via a cable will prompt the car’s touchscreen to display a message asking to confirm whether you want to set up CarPlay. Alternatively, you can connect wirelessly by making sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and going to the Bluetooth menu within the settings on their car’s touchscreen. Select your phone from the list of available devices and, if a pairing code appears, press ‘pair’ on both devices.

What is CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s next generation of smartphone mirroring, offering a number of new features. Most notably, CarPlay Ultra changes the appearance of the instrument panel, allowing you greater levels of customisation and the ability to display information from your phone, such as navigation or album covers. The menu on the central touchscreen now features apps for the air conditioning and radio, preventing you from having to exit CarPlay to adjust these.

Is Netflix allowed in CarPlay?

No. Video streaming services, such as Netflix and YouTube, are not available to download from CarPlay’s app store since they increase the risk of distractions. 

What is the disadvantage of Apple CarPlay?

While CarPlay is designed to offer information from your phone in a user-friendly way, it can still be a distraction – causing you to take your eyes away from the road and often hands off the wheel. If you’re travelling in an area with poor phone signal, you may also experience a lag; although this will not affect car-sourced information, such as the speedometer or fuel gauge, on CarPlay Ultra.

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