In a recent announcement, BMW has confirmed that it will not integrate Apple’s CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles. A spokesperson for BMW AG stated, BMW currently has no plans to integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra. ([bmwblog.com](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/07/22/bmw-no-carplay-ultra-idrive-x/?utm_source=openai))
CarPlay Ultra, unveiled by Apple in 2022, offers a comprehensive in-car experience by extending the iPhone interface across all vehicle displays, including the instrument cluster and head-up display. This system allows drivers to control various vehicle functions such as climate settings, media playback, and navigation through Apple’s interface. Aston Martin was the first automaker to adopt CarPlay Ultra, with brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis planning to follow. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/carplay-ultra-the-next-generation-of-carplay-begins-rolling-out-today/?utm_source=openai))
BMW’s decision to forgo CarPlay Ultra aligns with its strategy to maintain control over the in-car user experience. The company is focusing on enhancing its proprietary operating system, iDrive X, which is set to debut in the upcoming BMW iX3 and will be featured in all future Neue Klasse models. iDrive X includes features like the Panoramic Display, projecting information along the bottom edge of the windshield, aiming to provide a fully native BMW environment. ([bmwblog.com](https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/07/22/bmw-no-carplay-ultra-idrive-x/?utm_source=openai))
This move reflects a broader trend among automakers to retain control over their infotainment systems. Brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Renault have also opted not to adopt CarPlay Ultra, expressing concerns about maintaining their own software experiences and revenue streams from in-car services. An executive at Renault reportedly told Apple, Don’t try to invade our own systems. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/cdd7c98a-10a7-437c-a85a-68f7f9be2b0b?utm_source=openai))
Despite this, BMW and other manufacturers will continue to offer the standard version of Apple CarPlay, which integrates with the main infotainment screen but does not extend to other vehicle displays or control core vehicle functions. This approach allows automakers to provide popular smartphone integration features while preserving their own design and functional philosophies. ([bimmerfile.com](https://www.bimmerfile.com/2025/05/30/why-bmw-is-rejecting-carplay-ultra-and-what-theyre-doing-instead/?utm_source=openai))
The automotive industry is currently navigating the intersection of technology and tradition, with companies like BMW choosing to develop and enhance their proprietary systems to ensure a consistent brand experience. This strategy highlights the ongoing debate over how much control automakers should retain over the in-car experience in an era of increasing smartphone integration.
