Mercedes, Audi and Volvo refused to adopt Apple CarPlay Ultra, know the reason

The vast majority of the world's largest carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault have refused to install Apple's newest and advanced system, CarPlay Ultra, in future models. The decision came when in 2022 Apple rolled out CarPlay Ultra to the public as the new car technology of the age.

CarPlay Ultra had been outlined by Apple to be greatly superior to its earlier CarPlay integration. Here, the Apple interface would be observed not only on the infotainment screen but also on the digital instrument cluster display of the car, such as speed, tachograph, climate control et al. European carmakers do not like the idea of the digital system of the entire car being controlled by Apple to so great an extent.

According to media reports, a Renault executive even bluntly told Apple, "Don't try to break into our system." This statement shows that many car companies fear that if they adopt CarPlay Ultra, it will reduce their control over their software design, user experience and data.

Although many European companies have backed out, some manufacturers such as Hyundai, Genesis, and Porsche are still committed to bringing CarPlay Ultra to their models. Jaguar Land Rover has said that it is considering it. That is, neither fully supported nor denied.

Other companies such as Ford, Nissan and Infiniti, which Apple included as its initial partners in 2022. They have not given any new information so far, but they are not completely out either. Honda and Acura still plan to implement this system in their future models.

CarPlay Ultra is Apple's technology that is not limited to just music, calls and maps. But it also shows the entire car information like speed, fuel or battery level, climate control etc. in Apple's design. That is, you will get a glimpse of Apple on every screen.

This system is currently available in only a few select vehicles, such as Aston Martin DBX. To work, it requires iPhone 12 or newer model and iOS 18.5 or above version. Once the phone is connected, this interface starts automatically as soon as the car is started.

Apple is going to bring iOS 26 update in September or October 2025, in which both CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra will be improved. This update will include features like new interface design, compact notifications for calls, 'Tapback' emoji reactions and live activity. This will make the driving experience more interactive.

The non-adoption of CarPlay Ultra by some car companies shows that auto companies and tech companies are now face-to-face over 'digital control'. Today's cars are largely software-driven. And who will have control over it - Apple or the car manufacturers themselves - has become a big question.