Sorry Android Users: Apple CarPlay Ultra Debuts For Aston Martin

While Apple CarPlay has been out for a while, a new Ultra version of the system has been revealed for newer Aston Martin vehicles. Instead of just residing on the infotainment touchscreen for things like music and navigation, Apple CarPlay Ultra will control the digital gauge cluster screen, forever changing how drivers interact with their vehicle.

Here’s a classic case of technology working even worse than humans.

This probably doesn’t amuse Android users and we get why. But Aston Martin made the move to show it’s embracing “the forefront of technology and innovation.” We’re not sure what this means for those who don’t use iPhones, other than they won’t have access to the new feaures.

One of the advantages of Apple CarPlay Ultra is Siri voice commands control more than just navigation, music, and a few other infotainment features. Instead, drivers can speak to adjust the air temperature or access information about the car instead of having to use he touchscreen in heavy traffic.

Plus, widgets like the ones iPhone users have been adding to their lock screens and home screens can be added to the infotainment or gauge cluster screen, displaying useful, customized information at a glance.

That’s not all users can customize. There are different types of digital gauges, layouts, and colors you can choose, allowing Aston Martin owners, and eventually drivers of other brands, to select what they enjoy most. We wouldn’t be surprised if this means different looks for daytime versus night or other automatic changes you can set up.

One thing that isn’t changing is Aston Martin’s dedication to having some of the most used features in cars remain accessible through physical switchgear. The press release mentions specifically Chassis, ESP and Exhaust, Lane Assist and Park Distance Control switches, as well as the transmission, drive modes, heating, and ventilation.

Plus, Aston Martin is working to bring back manual transmissions.

Images via Aston Martin