After luxury cars, Apple CarPlay Ultra to feature in Hyundai Ioniq 3 EV

New Delhi: Apple’s next-generation in-car system, CarPlay Ultra, is finally beginning to break out of the luxury segment. The software, which currently only ships with Aston Martin models priced around $200,000 (₹1.74 crore), is expected to make its way into Hyundai’s upcoming Ioniq 3 EV, according to a report by Top Gear.

For Apple users who have been waiting for a more affordable way to experience the upgraded interface, this is a big deal. Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 could become the first electric vehicle to ship with CarPlay Ultra at a price point closer to $35,000 (₹30.4 lakh). The car will also be showcased at the Munich Motor Show from September 9 to 14.

CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s most advanced in-car software experience yet. Unlike the regular CarPlay that only mirrors the iPhone onto the infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra goes much deeper. It takes control of almost the entire car interface. That means Apple’s design language runs across not only the central touchscreen but also the driver’s digital cluster behind the wheel.

Even climate controls, vehicle settings, and other dashboard functions appear in Apple’s UI. For iPhone users, it creates a seamless experience that feels like driving an "Apple car” without Apple actually building one. Aston Martin was the first automaker to roll this out earlier this year, but Hyundai could be the first mass-market brand to adopt it.

Unlike premium automakers that often push experimental tech at a steep cost, Hyundai has built its reputation around practical EVs at accessible price ranges. If the Ioniq 3 does launch with CarPlay Ultra, it changes the accessibility equation for millions of buyers who would never consider spending $200,000 just to experience Apple’s next-gen in-car UI.

The Ioniq 3 is expected to offer a range of around 365 miles (587 km) on a single charge, making it competitive with many premium EVs in the same segment. By combining this range with Apple’s advanced infotainment integration, Hyundai may carve out a space where technology and affordability meet.

Apple CarPlay already dominates globally, with surveys showing more than 80% of U.S. buyers preferring vehicles that support it. CarPlay Ultra pushes that dominance further by blurring the line between the automaker’s native software and Apple’s ecosystem.

Some EV-only brands like Tesla and Rivian don’t support CarPlay at all, preferring to keep control of their software. But Hyundai’s decision to embrace CarPlay Ultra signals a willingness to give Apple control over the user experience, something that may appeal strongly to iPhone owners.

CarPlay Ultra is still limited, but more automakers are expected to announce partnerships in the coming months. If Hyundai’s rollout is successful, it could encourage others like Volkswagen, Ford, or Toyota to bring the system into mid-range vehicles too.