Apple's CarPlay brings the iOS experience to vehicle dashboards, allowing iPhone connection via USB or wirelessly for simplified access to navigation, streaming, and messaging apps. Introduced in 2014 with iOS 7.1, standard CarPlay is available in over 800 vehicle models but requires exiting the interface to adjust native car features like climate control or driving modes.

CarPlay Ultra, teased in 2022, expands across all vehicle screens and deeply integrates with car systems. It handles speedometer, fuel gauge, climate controls, and radio within the interface, offering high customization. However, Ultra currently exists only in luxury Aston Martins in the US and Canada, requiring iPhone 12 or later and wireless connection. Porsche teased support but never launched.

The expansion faces manufacturer hesitation over handing full control to Apple. While Apple promises wider availability, adoption appears slow. Both systems share the same foundation, but Ultra represents a complete vehicle interface redesign versus CarPlay's app projection approach.