Apple CarPlay Ultra Faces Backlash from Automakers

 What Is Apple CarPlay Ultra?

Apple CarPlay Ultra expands iPhone integration by controlling center displays, instrument clusters, and climate settings. With features like iPhone-like widgets and Apple-style gauges, CarPlay Ultra provides an entirely immersive driving experience that turns your car into a smooth Apple experience.

But not all automakers are impressed.

Automakers Push Back on Full Dashboard Takeover

Although Apple initially boasted that 18 automakers had signed up to integrate CarPlay Ultra, many are now backing out due to concerns about data sharing, brand identity, and loss of interface control.

According to the Financial Times, brands such as:

• Audi
  
• Volvo
  
• Polestar
  
• Mercedes-Benz
  
• Renault
  

are opting not to include CarPlay Ultra in their future models.

An unnamed Renault executive reportedly told Apple, “Don’t try to invade our own systems.”

 Who’s Still On Board?

Among those who still intend to adopt Apple CarPlay Ultra:

• Aston Martin (currently the only brand offering it)
  
• Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
  
• Porsche (still planning to support it)
  

Meanwhile, Ford, Lincoln, Acura, Honda, Infiniti, and Nissan have offered no official stance as of now.

 Why Are Brands Opting Out?

The resistance comes down to a few key reasons:

• Loss of control over infotainment system design
  
• Data privacy concerns
  
• Investment in proprietary systems (e.g., Audi’s new MMI and Volvo’s Google-powered OS)
  

Some brands, like GM, are moving in the opposite direction entirely—phasing out CarPlay in favor of their own systems developed with Google.

 Apple’s Response

Apple remains confident that consumer demand will drive adoption. A source close to Apple stated:

“Automakers ultimately do what their customers love—and customers are going to love CarPlay Ultra.”

Apple also claims that driving data remains with the car and is not shared with iPhones, though full transparency on data use is still pending.

Is CarPlay Ultra Overreaching or the Future?

Apple CarPlay Ultra’s rollout is looking to be a conflict between control and convenience. Automakers are concerned about losing control of the in-car experience and important driving data, even as consumers appreciate Apple’s smooth user interface.

CarPlay Ultra’s status as a specialized premium feature or as an industry standard will depend on user uptake and time.

Source: Motor Trend