Compared with the earlier 1.1.0 release, Aster 1.2.0 introduces a new “Pet Mode” and interactive animations, further enhancing in-car entertainment and human–machine interaction.
NIO’s firefly has upgraded the Aster to firmware 1.2.0 in the European market, introducing new features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Rear Collision Warning (RCW), and a wider range of personalized scenarios.

According to the company’s official posts on social media, the update emphasizes a safer and quieter driving experience. The newly added RCW function can alert drivers to potential rear-end risks whether the vehicle is stationary or in motion.
The system will also automatically deactivate certain assisted driving functions in heavy rainfall to reduce safety hazards. Warning tones and prompts have been optimized to better match real-world scenarios.
In addition, the system now supports personalized driving profiles, while reminders are added for common issues such as leaving doors open when a Bluetooth key disconnects.
On the connectivity front, the highlight of version 1.2.0 is the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay. Many users had previously noted that while Aster provided a smooth interaction experience, the lack of native CarPlay support limited convenience.

The new update closes this gap, allowing iPhone applications to be used directly on the vehicle’s central display, offering greater flexibility for Apple ecosystem users.
In comparison, the new XPeng P7 and all Xiaomi EVs already support quick vehicle control via iPhone, further deepening integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Against this backdrop, firefly’s addition of CarPlay becomes particularly significant.
However, some bloggers have suggested that CarPlay may not be rolled out in China simultaneously due to differences in hardware modules.
Compared with version 1.1.0, Aster 1.2.0 further enhances entertainment and human–machine interaction. New features such as “Pet Mode” and interactive animations create a lighter, more enjoyable cabin atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the energy consumption display has been redesigned, allowing users to customize how battery and consumption data are shown.
firefly first launched the Aster on August 8, alongside version 1.1.0, which spanned smart cockpit, voice assistant, and driver assistance modules, adding or refining more than 70 functions.
From version 1.1.0 to 1.2.0, firefly has shown a rapid iteration pace in upgrading both cockpit intelligence and assisted driving capabilities. With the new version now available first in Europe, domestic users are also calling for an accelerated rollout in China.
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