Apple’s iOS 26 brings one of the more substantial updates to CarPlay in recent years. The goal is to make the interface more beautiful, more informative, and safer / less distracting while driving. Here are the biggest changes, and what users can expect.
1. Visual Overhaul: “Liquid Glass” Design
One of the first things users will notice is a refreshed look:
- More translucent elements in the UI, with a “glass-like” effect that adds depth, shimmer, and aligns with updates elsewhere in iOS.
- Dynamic light/dark mode theming carries through into CarPlay.
This isn’t just aesthetic: the translucency, clarity, and unified style are meant to reduce clutter and make glance-reading safer.
2. Smarter Messaging: Tapbacks & Pinned Conversations
Messaging while driving gets a lot less cumbersome:
- You can now send Tapback reactions (thumbs up, heart, exclamation, etc.) from within CarPlay. Easier to respond with minimal distraction.
- Pinned conversations from Messages carry over into CarPlay, so important chats are easier to access without hunting.
3. Compact Call UI / Less Disruption
Incoming phone calls no longer hijack the full screen:
- A compact view (often a floating bar or “pill” UI) shows incoming calls, so users can still see turn-by-turn navigation or other important information.
- This helps reduce sudden screen transitions that might distract.
4. Live Activities & Widgets
CarPlay is becoming more live and context-aware:
- Live Activities are now supported in CarPlay: think flight tracking, delivery status, sports scores, etc. Real-time updates that you can see without leaving navigation or audio views.
- Widgets are finally expanded beyond CarPlay Ultra to standard CarPlay users. This allows glanceable info (calendar events, weather, smart home controls, etc.) on the CarPlay screen.
5. Multi-Touch Maps & Smart Display Zoom
Better control over maps and better use of dashboard screen space:
- In cars that support it, map apps will now allow multi-touch gestures: pinch to zoom, pan with fingers, etc., much like using the map on the iPhone.
- A new Smart Display Zoom setting can adjust the UI to better fit different screen shapes/sizes. Turning this on makes UI elements a bit smaller to allow more content or extra rows of icons, depending on dashboard display.
6. Video Streaming (When Parked)
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing new feature:
- iOS 26 introduces support for AirPlay video to CarPlay displays. That means when your vehicle is parked, you’ll be able to stream video content from your iPhone to the CarPlay screen.
- Safety is a key limit: video playback is disabled when the car is in motion. Automakers must also enable the support for it in their CarPlay implementation.
7. Accessibility & Readability Improvements
To make CarPlay more usable for wider audiences:
- A new Large Text option is available, making text easier to read at a glance.
- Expanded Sound Recognition: in addition to sirens / alarms, CarPlay will now be able to notify users if it detects a crying baby.
8. CarPlay Ultra: Deeper Integration with Vehicle Systems
For vehicles that support Apple’s more advanced CarPlay Ultra system:
- Many of the above features also extend to Ultra, but Ultra also continues its unique capabilities (e.g. integrating across multiple screens, controlling vehicle functions like climate, seats, radio/audio etc.).
- Some features may take longer to show up, depending on automaker support and firmware/software updates.
9. What to Watch Out For / Limitations
While there’s a lot to like, there are caveats:
- Automaker support is a recurring theme: many new features depend on the car’s head unit / firmware supporting them. Not all vehicles will immediately have everything. MacRumors+2Auto Connected Car+2
- Safety/regulation constraints for video playback mean it’s restricted (only when parked). MacRumors+2iGeeksBlog+2
- Some users in early beta / release have reported issues: for instance, widgets not being responsive in certain vehicles, blank screens, or limited functionality depending on car manufacturer. Reddit+2Reddit+2
CarPlay: iOS 25 vs iOS 26 Feature Comparison
| Feature | CarPlay in iOS 25 (Previous) | CarPlay in iOS 26 (New) | Benefit to Drivers |
| Interface Design | Flat, simple UI with dark/light mode | “Liquid Glass” translucent design with dynamic depth | Cleaner look, improved readability, modern visual consistency |
| Messaging | Standard iMessage support via Siri | Tapbacks & pinned chats integrated | Easier, safer quick replies while driving |
| Call Notifications | Full-screen takeover for incoming calls | Compact floating call bar | Less distraction; navigation stays visible |
| Live Activities | Not supported | Supported for deliveries, flights, sports, etc. | Real-time updates without app switching |
| Widgets | Limited to CarPlay Ultra | Now available for all CarPlay systems | Glanceable info: weather, calendar, smart home |
| Maps / Navigation | Basic zoom & touch | Multi-touch gestures + Smart Display Zoom | More natural control and better screen optimization |
| Video Playback | Not allowed | AirPlay video when parked | Entertainment while waiting / charging (parked only) |
| Accessibility Options | Standard text size only | Large Text & expanded sound recognition | Easier to read and more inclusive alerts |
| CarPlay Ultra Integration | Multi-screen & vehicle controls | Adds widgets, video, and better climate/audio controls | Deeper car system integration |
| Developer Support | Limited APIs | Expanded widget & Live Activity APIs | More capable 3rd-party apps in the car |
How to Get the New CarPlay Features
Here’s what drivers should do to make sure they get the most out of iOS 26 CarPlay:
- Update to iOS 26
- Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 26 or later.
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update.
- Check Car Manufacturer Compatibility
- Not every car supports the new UI or features right away.
- Check your automaker’s website or infotainment system for firmware updates.
- Apple has confirmed that manufacturers like Porsche, Aston Martin, Volvo, and Ford are among the early adopters of the new generation of CarPlay.
- Enable Widgets & Live Activities
- On your iPhone: go to Settings → CarPlay → Your Car → Allow Widgets and Live Activities.
- You may need to restart your car’s infotainment system for changes to appear.
- Try AirPlay Video (When Parked)
- Connect your iPhone via wired or wireless CarPlay.
- While parked, open the AirPlay menu on iPhone and choose your vehicle’s display.
- Playback automatically stops if the car moves.
- Customize Your CarPlay Dashboard
- Long-press the dashboard icons to rearrange or remove apps.
- Add the new Calendar or Weather widgets for quick info at a glance.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Keep Siri Suggestions turned on — it helps CarPlay suggest routes, messages, and reminders contextually.
- If your car supports CarPlay Ultra, ask your dealer whether an update is needed to unlock iOS 26’s deeper integration.
- For safety, Apple disables video playback and certain messaging features while the vehicle is moving.
Bottom Line
iOS 26 represents a significant step forward for CarPlay. The updates are about more than just looks: Apple is adding features that help you stay informed without distraction (widgets, Live Activities), upgrade communication while driving (Tapbacks, pinned messages), better map interaction, and finally broader multimedia use (video via AirPlay when parked).
For drivers, the benefits will depend a lot on whether their carmaker supports the newer CarPlay features in their hardware/firmware. But overall, it’s a refresh that makes CarPlay feel more modern and more aligned with what users expect from their iPhones inside the car.
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