CarPlay has received a monumental overhaul in iOS 26, marking its most significant update in years. Gone are the days of incremental improvements; this release brings a wealth of new features and a redesigned interface that transforms the in-car experience. The update builds upon the groundwork laid by CarPlay Ultra, integrating many of its advancements into the standard CarPlay experience for a broader audience.
One of the most striking changes is the adoption of iOS 26's Liquid Glass aesthetic. App icons and UI elements have been completely redesigned, offering a modern and visually appealing look. Users can even personalize the appearance by selecting from various icon modes: Default, Dark, and Clear, the latter offering several customizable variants. This visual refresh extends to the wallpapers, incorporating the new default iPhone wallpaper options into CarPlay.
A highly anticipated feature finally arrives: widgets. iOS 26 brings widgets to standard CarPlay, allowing drivers to access information from their favorite apps without needing special CarPlay support. This opens up a world of possibilities for at-a-glance information and quick access to frequently used app features.
Beyond widgets, iOS 26 introduces video playback to CarPlay. While the car is parked, users can enjoy videos streamed via AirPlay from compatible third-party apps. This functionality adds a new level of entertainment and utility, perfect for those waiting for charging to complete, picking up passengers, or simply killing time during a break.
Live Activities, previously exclusive to iPhones and Apple Watches, make their CarPlay debut. Users can now see real-time updates for tracking flights, sports scores, food deliveries, and more, directly on their car's display. This seamless integration keeps drivers informed without distracting them from the road.
Apple has also significantly upgraded core system apps. Messages now supports tapbacks and pinned conversations, while the Phone app displays incoming calls in a compact view, preventing them from obscuring crucial navigation information. Apple Maps gains multi-touch support on vehicles equipped with multi-touch displays, allowing for more intuitive map interaction.
Enhancements to screen real estate management are also noteworthy. Smart Display Zoom offers greater flexibility in how content is displayed, allowing more information to fit on the screen. Similarly, users can now adjust text size for improved readability. Finally, the option to enable or disable CarPlay screenshots provides added user control.
In conclusion, iOS 26 isn't just an iPhone upgrade; it's a comprehensive overhaul of the CarPlay experience. With its stunning visual redesign, added functionalities like widgets and video playback, and seamless integration of Live Activities, iOS 26 sets a new standard for in-car technology, solidifying CarPlay's position as a leading automotive infotainment system. The enhancements to core system apps further streamline the user experience, delivering a smarter and safer driving experience.
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Originally published at: https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/16/carplay-in-ios-26-heres-everything-new/
