CarPlay Ultra Is Finally Coming to an Affordable Car: Hyundai Ioniq 3

For a long time, CarPlay Ultra seemed like it might turn into one of Apple’s biggest struggles in the automotive world. First introduced at WWDC 2022, the next-generation CarPlay promised a completely reimagined in-car experience. But since launch, adoption has been painfully slow. Only Aston Martin officially rolled out support, leaving many drivers convinced that CarPlay Ultra was destined to remain a niche luxury feature.

Now, that may be about to change. According to new reports, Hyundai will debut CarPlay Ultra in the upcoming Ioniq 3, set to be unveiled at the Munich Motor Show next week. And this time, it’s a car that most people can actually buy.

A Quick Recap: What Is CarPlay Ultra?

Unlike the original Apple CarPlay—which is limited to the infotainment screen—CarPlay Ultra extends across every display in the car, including the:

• Digital instrument cluster (speedometer, fuel/battery data)

• Passenger-side displays

• Infotainment screen on the dashboard

This deeper integration allows Apple to display critical driving information such as speed, range, and battery level while also controlling more in-car functions like climate controls and even rear cameras. Apple has also hinted at dedicated apps tailored to these new capabilities, making CarPlay Ultra the central hub of your vehicle.

Why Has CarPlay Ultra Struggled So Far?

While CarPlay Ultra is a leap forward in terms of design and functionality, automakers have been reluctant to adopt it. The reason is control. Car manufacturers don’t want to hand over key parts of the driving interface to Apple, preferring to keep drivers locked into their own proprietary infotainment systems.

That’s why adoption has been so limited. Aston Martin became the first brand to ship a vehicle with CarPlay Ultra, but the model is priced well into six figures—far out of reach for the average buyer. Porsche announced support back in 2022 but has yet to make a concrete move.

Hyundai Ioniq 3: The Game Changer

That’s what makes the Hyundai Ioniq 3 announcement so exciting. Expected to start at around $30,000–$40,000, this all-electric SUV will be the first affordable vehicle to feature CarPlay Ultra. For the first time, mainstream drivers will be able to access Apple’s futuristic dashboard without having to spend Aston Martin money.

With Hyundai’s growing reputation in the EV market (thanks to models like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6), the Ioniq 3 is poised to become one of the most important cars in the CarPlay ecosystem. If sales are strong, it could finally push other mass-market automakers to embrace CarPlay Ultra as well.

The Road Ahead for Apple CarPlay Ultra

The real question is whether Hyundai’s move will spark a broader shift. If other brands see that offering CarPlay Ultra gives them a competitive edge, adoption could snowball quickly. But if automakers remain protective of their infotainment ecosystems, CarPlay Ultra may remain limited to only a handful of forward-thinking brands.

For now, the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3 marks a turning point: CarPlay Ultra is no longer just for the ultra-rich. It’s about to become something everyday drivers can finally experience.

✅ Final takeaway for thecarplayer.com readers:
If you’ve been waiting for a realistic way to try CarPlay Ultra, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 could be your chance. Stay tuned for its official reveal at the Munich Motor Show—because this may be the moment CarPlay Ultra finally goes mainstream.