If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, there’s a good chance you rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. These systems have completely changed how we interact with our cars — and 2025 has brought some of the biggest updates yet.

Whether you’re a daily commuter or a road-trip enthusiast, here’s what’s new, why it matters, and how you can experience it in your own vehicle — even if your car didn’t come with it originally.

The Latest Update: What You Need to Know

Apple CarPlay — Big Step Forward in 2025

Apple has refreshed CarPlay in two major ways:

• First, via the upcoming operating system iOS 26, which brings updates to standard CarPlay. 

• Second, via the next-generation version called CarPlay Ultra, which Apple officially announced and began rolling out. 

What version & features

• The iOS 26 update brings major user-interface changes: a new design Apple calls “Liquid Glass”, new widget support, live activities (real-time updates) and less intrusive call/message interfaces. 

• CarPlay Ultra takes things further: it integrates your iPhone with all of your car’s screens, including instrument cluster, infotainment display and more. It allows vehicle data (tyre pressure, fuel gauge, temperature) alongside your iPhone’s apps. 

• Apple says CarPlay Ultra “begins rolling out today” (to select vehicles) and will expand to more manufacturers. 

Smartphone Compatibility

• For standard CarPlay (with iOS 26 enhancements): any iPhone that supports iOS 26 will benefit from the UI changes. Apple’s materials mention iPhones going back several years.

• For CarPlay Ultra: Apple lists iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5 or later (or equivalent) as compatible.

Vehicle / Retrofit Notes

• Even if your iPhone is compatible, CarPlay Ultra also requires a vehicle / infotainment system that supports the deeper integration. Currently, it’s rolling out in high-end vehicles (e.g., new Aston Martin models) first. 

• Many cars will continue to support the standard CarPlay version with iOS 26 updates while Ultra adoption grows.

• If your car didn’t ship with CarPlay Ultra hardware but supports standard CarPlay, you can still gain many of the new features (UI updates, widgets) via the iOS 26 update.

Android Auto — What’s New in 2025

Google continues to evolve Android Auto (and its broader “Android for Cars” strategy). 

Version & Features

• The latest versions of the Android Auto app (e.g., v15.x) and Google’s car-focused updates bring improved performance, more intelligent assistant integration (e.g., Gemini AI support) and better support for wireless connectivity.

• Google I/O 2025 revealed enhancements in “Android for Cars” developer tools, which underpin Android Auto’s in-car experience.

Smartphone Compatibility

• According to Google’s support documents: to use Android Auto (especially wireless): you need a compatible Android phone with an active data plan and support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Specifically: phones running Android 11 or newer for wireless, or certain Google/Samsung phones on Android 10.

• Broadly speaking, most recent Android phones (Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc) on Android 11+ will work with Android Auto/good experience.

Vehicle / Retrofit Notes

• Over 500 vehicle models and aftermarket head-units are listed as Android Auto-compatible. 

• Wireless Android Auto requires both a compatible car/stereo and a compatible phone – even if your phone supports Android Auto, your car might need updates or a specific head-unit.

Why These Updates Matter for Drivers & Your Business

• With the iOS 26 + CarPlay Ultra updates, iPhone users get a richer, more integrated experience — more vehicle data, more screen space, better widget support — which is a strong selling point when offering retrofit kits or head-unit upgrades.

• For Android users, the improved compatibility and continued emphasis on wireless connectivity mean you can target a wide audience of android-phone drivers who want seamless in-car integration.

How to Upgrade Your Car to the Latest System

If your vehicle doesn’t have these new features yet, don’t worry — that’s exactly what we specialise in at Vehicle Multimedia Systems.

We supply and install OEM-style Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade kits for almost every make and model, including BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Ford, and many more.
You can enjoy the latest tech without changing your car.

✅ Professional installation
✅ Plug-and-play systems
✅ Worldwide shipping
✅ After-sales support and warranty

🔧 Ready to Upgrade?

Experience smarter driving today.
Visit vehiclemultimediasystems.com to explore our full range of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems, or message us to find the perfect upgrade for your vehicle.