The 2025 Aston Martin DBX marks a significant milestone in automotive technology, being the first vehicle equipped with Apple CarPlay Ultra, a sophisticated upgrade to Apple’s vehicle interface software. After an hour of driving this extraordinary car along the Los Angeles coast, I found myself needing a snack and turned to Siri for assistance in locating a taco place. What set this experience apart was my ability to request Siri to adjust the air conditioning temperature, demonstrating a new level of control that Apple CarPlay Ultra offers. Debuted at WWDC 2025, Apple CarPlay Ultra allows deeper integration into vehicle systems, enabling features like climate control and tire pressure monitoring directly from the CarPlay interface, making the driving experience more intuitive and seamless.
While testing Apple CarPlay Ultra in the DBX, I was impressed by its functionality compared to conventional CarPlay. This new iteration enables users to command Siri for a range of tasks, including playing specific songs from Spotify or searching for restaurants. Aston Martin has maintained some traditional controls, like physical knobs for fan speed and temperature, providing the driver with the option to use manual adjustment if preferred. Additionally, CarPlay Ultra’s interface organizes settings into recognizable app structures, allowing drivers familiarity when navigating different vehicles without having to decipher the unique software often found in rental cars.
Apple’s approach to CarPlay Ultra contrasts sharply with Google’s philosophy for its software, Google Built-In, which was showcased at Google I/O. Google’s system requires deeper integration within the vehicle’s architecture, necessitating automakers to embed Android capabilities at a fundamental level. During a demonstration in a Volvo EX90, I experienced firsthand how Google Built-In could control the climate and other systems directly through voice commands, even managing specific tasks like rolling down windows based on where the driver gestured. This reliance on extensive integration allows for a more autonomous experience, where users can operate numerous features independently of their smartphones.
Both Apple and Google’s interfaces reflect their distinct visions for the future of automotive technology. While Apple favors a less invasive integration with minimal requirements beyond a suitable onboard processor, Google’s approach demands a deeper commitment from manufacturers to effectively embed Android into vehicles. However, Google Built-In’s comprehensive capabilities mean that users can utilize various functionalities without needing their phones, but that also implies a greater responsibility for ongoing software support and potential security risks that accompany such integration.
Despite the promising advancements in both systems, Apple CarPlay Ultra still has limitations. As of now, it doesn’t allow commands for tasks like rolling down windows or intricate engine diagnostics. While it’s capable of accessing vital data, enhancements such as climate control remote access or seamless Google Maps integration are on the horizon. These deficiencies highlight areas where Apple can improve its system to better support driver needs while also raising considerations about the security protocols involved with further connectivity options.
In summary, both Apple CarPlay Ultra and Google Built-In represent transformative shifts in how technology interacts with our vehicles. Each offers unique advantages—CarPlay Ultra’s ease of use and versatile functionality vs. Google Built-In’s in-depth control and independence from smartphones. However, as these technologies evolve, concerns about security, user experience, and long-term support should remain paramount in discussions about the future of automotive interfaces. As automakers increasingly embrace these innovations, the ultimate goal will be to ensure that technology enhances driving safety, comfort, and convenience in a way that is sustainable and secure.
