Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay Ultra Set to Expand to More Car Brands Soon

Generally, People are excited about the new CarPlay Ultra. Obviously, This is because it offers a lot of new features that make driving easier. Normally, You would have to use multiple devices to control your car’s systems, but CarPlay Ultra changes that. Basically, It integrates all the controls into one system, making it easier to use.

Expansion Plans: Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis Lead the Way

Apparently, Apple announced that CarPlay Ultra would be available in Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars in May 2025. Usually, Companies don’t reveal too much information about their plans, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman gave us a hint. Evidently, He said that at least one Hyundai or Kia model will get CarPlay Ultra in the second half of 2026. Possibly, It could be the upcoming IONIQ 3, but Apple and Hyundai haven’t confirmed this yet.

What Makes CarPlay Ultra Different?

Clearly, CarPlay Ultra is not just an update, it’s a whole new way of thinking about in-car technology. Normally, You would expect a few minor changes, but CarPlay Ultra is a major overhaul. Essentially, It offers a range of new features that make driving safer and more convenient. For instance, You can control the climate and radio with built-in apps, and the system also supports rear-view cameras. Additionally, You can customize the interface to match your car’s brand and model.

Which Brands Are On Board—and Who’s Missing?

Obviously, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are on board with the rollout of CarPlay Ultra. However, Some big brands are holding back, including BMW, Ford, and Rivian. Apparently, They prefer to use their own software instead. Generally, This is because they want to have more control over the user experience. Unfortunately, This means that some drivers will miss out on the benefits of CarPlay Ultra. For example, GM has dropped standard CarPlay from its new EVs, so it’s unlikely that they will adopt CarPlay Ultra.

Why This Matters for Drivers

Basically, CarPlay Ultra is designed to make driving easier and safer. Normally, You would have to juggle multiple devices to control your car’s systems, but CarPlay Ultra integrates everything into one system. Essentially, This means that you can focus on the road instead of messing around with different devices. Obviously, This is a major advantage, especially for people who drive long distances. Additionally, CarPlay Ultra offers a range of customization options, so you can personalize your driving experience.

What’s Next?

Generally, The second half of 2026 is going to be an exciting time for car fans. Apparently, Hyundai and Kia will be releasing new models with CarPlay Ultra, and people will be watching to see if they deliver on Apple’s promises. Normally, New technology can be unpredictable, but CarPlay Ultra has the potential to revolutionize the in-car tech scene. Obviously, More updates will be coming soon, and hopefully, more car brands will join the party.