The automotive world often feels like a chessboard. Companies like Apple and major carmakers are always figuring out who controls the digital experience. This week, we learned BMW is making a clear move. A spokesperson for the German luxury brand confirmed they have no plans right now to bring Apple CarPlay Ultra into their vehicles.
This decision isn’t new, though. It echoes what BMW said back in 2022. That’s when Apple first showed off its next-generation car software. Even though BMW was first listed as a future CarPlay Ultra partner, the company has stuck to its original stance. They simply haven’t changed their minds.
What exactly is CarPlay Ultra? It’s Apple’s big push to take over nearly every screen in your car. Regular CarPlay just lives on the main infotainment display. Ultra stretches across all vehicle screens. This includes your dashboard, the head-up display, and even screens for passengers. Drivers can control car functions like climate, music, and navigation. All of this happens directly through Apple’s interface. Imagine Siri voice commands handling everything. You could see Apple Maps right on your speedometer. Plus, you get personalized widgets.
Aston Martin is the first carmaker to offer this immersive experience. Other brands are expected to join soon. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are some names planning to move forward with it.
Instead of Apple’s system, BMW is focusing on its own operating system. It’s called iDrive X. This system will first appear in the new BMW iX3. From there, it will expand into all future BMW models. iDrive X includes a feature called Panoramic Display. This projects important information across the bottom of the windshield. The goal is to create a fully native BMW experience. It’s all about making sure their digital design matches their user experience perfectly.
This deep integration from BMW’s side is likely why they aren’t embracing Apple’s all-encompassing approach. They want full control over their cars’ digital souls. For now, other third-party platforms will still be available. Standard CarPlay and Android Auto will remain on the main screen. So, while BMW has opted out, here’s the current list of carmakers that still plan to support CarPlay Ultra as of July 2025:
- Acura
- Aston Martin
- Ford
- Genesis
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lincoln
- Nissan
- Porsche
BMW is definitely not on that list. Based on their latest comments, it seems they won’t be joining it anytime soon.