Polestar Confirms Ongoing Commitment to Apple CarPlay Ultra Integration
Apple’s CarPlay Ultra is entering the automotive landscape at a measured pace, but not without momentum from notable partners. On June 2, Polestar, the electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Volvo Car Group umbrella, confirmed to MacRumors that it continues to plan for CarPlay Ultra integration in its forthcoming EV models. While the company stopped short of providing a concrete timeline or additional rollout specifics, this public affirmation stands out as several automakers remain silent about their future plans for CarPlay Ultra.
What Is CarPlay Ultra?
Launched in May 2025, CarPlay Ultra represents Apple’s next-generation in-car user interface. Expanding far beyond earlier versions of CarPlay, the system now offers:
- Deep integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster and native systems
- Support for built-in apps, including Radio and Climate controls
- Customizable widgets and tailored automotive branding
- Adjustable color schemes for driver personalization
The interface is individually configured for each vehicle and automaker, aiming to provide a cohesive digital experience while preserving the brand identity of each car manufacturer. According to Apple, CarPlay Ultra is designed to handle vital vehicle data, operating seamlessly alongside the car’s built-in electronics and controls.
Automaker Adoption: A Shifting Landscape
When Apple first announced its expanded CarPlay vision in 2022, it published a list of anticipated partners, including brands such as Polestar, Volvo, Audi, Jaguar, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. Over the intervening years, some partnerships have shifted. For example, Mercedes-Benz, initially named as an early adopter, has since stated its intention to retain greater control over its in-vehicle software, stepping away from broad CarPlay Ultra integration (9to5Mac).
As of June 2025, CarPlay Ultra is shipping exclusively in new luxury Aston Martin vehicles in North America, with Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis among those expected to bring models to market within the next year. However, most major automakers have not publicly specified launch dates or committed models, leading to speculation about the broader pace of adoption.
In this context, Polestar’s reiteration of its CarPlay Ultra plans is significant. The brand joins a small but notable group of manufacturers maintaining an active commitment to Apple’s latest in-car platform, at a time when many others have yet to make public statements.
Why Are Automakers Hesitant?
Multiple factors can influence a brand’s decision to integrate CarPlay Ultra:
- Brand Identity: CarPlay Ultra replaces core vehicle interface elements, prompting some automakers to seek in-house control over the in-car user experience.
- Data Privacy and Monetization: Some brands may factor in the implications of granting Apple access to vehicle data and potential impacts on revenue from digital services.
- Technical Integration: Implementing CarPlay Ultra requires significant engineering resources and close collaboration with Apple, which may extend development timelines.
Apple’s In-Car Strategy and the Role of Polestar
Apple’s broader strategy with CarPlay Ultra is to deepen its ecosystem within the automotive sector, offering a platform that integrates not just entertainment, but also core vehicle controls and real-time information—such as navigation, climate, and instrumentation—into a unified Apple-designed interface. This level of integration could influence which vehicles Apple enthusiasts consider when purchasing a new car, especially for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Polestar’s confirmation highlights its approach as a technology-forward automaker. Polestar has previously offered standard CarPlay since 2022; adopting CarPlay Ultra positions the brand to attract tech-oriented consumers and leverage seamless iOS integration across its lineup. For Apple, each additional partner bolsters CarPlay Ultra’s adoption curve and strengthens the network effects of its growing automotive ecosystem.
Implications for Drivers, Developers, and the EV Industry
For Apple Users
Polestar’s continued support for CarPlay Ultra suggests that upcoming Polestar vehicles are likely to deliver a tightly integrated Apple experience, including access to native vehicle controls, real-time data, and a unified aesthetic across displays. This could simplify the transition for drivers who rely on iOS and Apple services as part of daily life.
For Developers
As CarPlay Ultra expands, developers building for automotive experiences can anticipate broader reach and standardization of in-car app interfaces. However, with adoption still limited to select brands and models, market fragmentation may persist in the near term.
For the Automotive Industry
Wider CarPlay Ultra adoption could influence competitive dynamics among automakers, especially as EVs become more software-centric. Brands embracing Apple’s platform may attract technology-focused buyers, while those choosing proprietary in-car operating systems may emphasize differentiation and control.
Looking Ahead
Apple has indicated that more automakers are expected to launch CarPlay Ultra-compatible vehicles over the coming year. However, the landscape remains fluid, with several brands not commenting on their current positions since Apple’s original announcements. For dedicated Apple enthusiasts and prospective EV buyers, Polestar’s sustained commitment ensures at least one clear pathway to CarPlay Ultra in premium electric cars, even as the broader rollout continues to evolve.