Affordable EV to First Offer Apple CarPlay Ultra

Hyundai is preparing to unveil the IONIQ 3 at the upcoming Munich Motor Show, showcasing a more affordable electric vehicle that may be the first non-luxury model to support Apple’s next-generation infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra. The IONIQ 3 is expected to launch as a nearly production-ready concept in early September, positioning itself between the entry‑level Inster and the Kona EV in the automaker’s lineup. The vehicle promises a digital-first experience alongside competitive pricing.

Featuring two battery options—58.3 kWh for roughly 260 miles and 81.4 kWh for up to 365 miles —the IONIQ 3 delivers brisk performance with 0–62 mph acceleration in under eight seconds, thanks to its front‑wheel‑drive layout. It uses a 400 V architecture, which offers cost savings but slower charging compared to the 800 V systems in Hyundai’s larger models.

At its core is Pleos, Hyundai’s new software-defined vehicle operating system. Pleos supports over-the-air upgrades, deep customisation of the digital interface, and even downloadable features post-sale, offering flexibility to both new and second‑hand buyers. The system also enables synthesised EV sound effects.

A report by Top Gear, confirmed by several outlets, indicates that the IONIQ 3 “can run Apple’s CarPlay Ultra if the driver wants.” Even without engaging the Apple interface, drivers have access to Pleos’s adaptable design and functionality.

Launched in May, CarPlay Ultra builds on the standard CarPlay system by allowing full integration across the vehicle’s display screens, including the instrument cluster, and offering personalised widgets and control of climate, radio, and other systems—all tailored to the manufacturer’s design language. As of now, it is available only in high-end Aston Martin models in the U. S. and Canada, but broader adoption by Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis forms part of Apple’s expansion plans.

Hyundai aims to reveal the IONIQ 3 concept during the IAA Mobility auto show beginning on 9 September in Munich, with sales expected to commence in early 2026. The EV will be manufactured in Turkey, ensuring lower logistics costs for European markets while reinforcing Hyundai’s production footprint in the region.

Xavier Martinet, Hyundai’s European head, emphasises the IONIQ brand’s rising stature: second only to Tesla in brand awareness across Europe, boosted by the success of models like the IONIQ 5, 6, and 9. He anticipates that the addition of more accessible options like the IONIQ 3 and Inster will complete Hyundai’s EV spectrum, offering broader market coverage.

Industry observers note that CarPlay Ultra’s arrival in a mainstream EV signals a pivotal shift. As CarPlay Ultra introduces seamless integration between smartphone ecosystems and vehicle systems, its adoption in a mass-market EV like the IONIQ 3 could heighten expectations across the automotive sector.