Hyundai is doing something almost no other car manufacturer is doing with Apple CarPlay Ultra
Published on Sep 02, 2025 at 5:29 AM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Sep 02, 2025 at 5:29 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Hyundai is ready to add Apple CarPlay Ultra to some of its cars, which is something most automakers aren’t doing.
While several legacy manufacturers either openly or silently rejected Apple’s latest in-car technology, Hyundai is actually embracing it.
The upcoming IONIQ 3 is going to use Ultra.
But there’s a simple reason why Hyundai is the exception, and so many are rejecting this type of technology.
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Hyundai is ready to adopt Apple CarPlay Ultra, with a catch
According to a new report shared recently, the upcoming IONIQ 3, a small EV, will fully support Apple CarPlay Ultra.
The new in-car system will be available as an option, and the idea is to test it and see whether customers check that particular box when they buy and spec the car. And if they do, whether they like it or not.
If it all goes to plan, we can expect more Hyundai vehicles to support CarPlay Ultra.
Hyundai isn’t the only automaker to support CarPlay Ultra, but to be fair, the list isn’t long.
Aside from the Korean manufacturer, there aren’t that many legacy brands that are fully on board with this new tech.
We’ve got Porsche, Aston Martin, and a couple more, but the list isn’t very long for now.
Why so many automakers are rejecting CarPlay Ultra
Apple, as we all know, abandoned the Apple Car project after spending a decade and billions on it.
However, CarPlay Ultra is as close as we can get – for now – to an Apple car.
With Ultra, Apple takes full control of all systems and screens in your car, and everything from the interface to the apps becomes fully ‘Apple-ized’.
Big automakers don’t want to lose control of their infotainment systems, which is why so many said ‘thanks, but no thanks’.
A few car makers went further.
VW, BMW, and Mercedes are apparently ready to team up to create their own version of CarPlay.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
