Apple’s iOS 26 introduces significant updates to CarPlay, enhancing both its design and functionality to provide a more seamless and personalized in-car experience.
Liquid Glass Design
The most noticeable change is the adoption of the Liquid Glass design language, which brings a modern, translucent aesthetic to CarPlay. This design features shimmery app icons and translucent user interface elements, creating a cohesive look that mirrors the updated iOS interface. Users can customize the appearance with options like Default, Dark, and Clear modes, with the Clear mode offering additional variants to suit individual preferences. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/carplay-in-ios-26-liquid-glass-app-widgets-refreshed-apps/?utm_source=openai))
Widgets Integration
CarPlay now supports widgets, allowing users to personalize their dashboard with real-time information. These widgets can display data from various apps, including weather updates, calendar appointments, and smart home controls. Notably, even third-party apps without dedicated CarPlay versions can have their widgets appear on the CarPlay interface, enhancing accessibility and convenience. Users can configure widget stacks directly from their iPhone’s Settings app under General > CarPlay > My Car > Widgets. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/carplay-in-ios-26-liquid-glass-app-widgets-refreshed-apps/?utm_source=openai))
Video Playback via AirPlay
A highly anticipated feature in iOS 26 is the ability to play videos on the car’s display using AirPlay. This functionality allows users to watch videos from their iPhone or streaming services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ while the vehicle is parked. For safety reasons, video playback is disabled when the car is in motion. The availability of this feature depends on car manufacturers integrating the necessary support into their vehicles. ([cincodias.elpais.com](https://cincodias.elpais.com/smartlife/motor/2025-06-16/apple-carplay-ver-contenidos-streaming.html?utm_source=openai))
Live Activities
CarPlay now supports Live Activities, enabling users to monitor real-time events directly from the dashboard. This feature is particularly useful for tracking flight statuses, sports scores, food deliveries, and more without needing to open specific apps. Live Activities appear on the CarPlay Dashboard, providing timely updates at a glance. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/09/carplay-in-ios-26-liquid-glass-app-widgets-refreshed-apps/?utm_source=openai))
Enhanced Messaging and Calling Features
The Messages app in CarPlay has been updated to include Tapbacks, allowing users to respond to messages with quick reactions like thumbs up or hearts. Additionally, pinned conversations from the iPhone now sync with CarPlay, making it easier to access important threads. The Phone app has also been improved; incoming calls now appear in a compact banner, ensuring that navigation and other essential information remain visible during a call. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/09/ios-26-upgrades-carplay-in-five-ways/?utm_source=openai))
Smart Display Zoom
To enhance usability across various screen sizes and shapes, CarPlay introduces the Smart Display Zoom feature. This function automatically adjusts the size of interface elements, such as icons and text, to fit the car’s display optimally. This ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience, regardless of the vehicle’s screen dimensions. ([cincodias.elpais.com](https://cincodias.elpais.com/smartlife/motor/2025-06-13/que-es-el-modo-zoom-de-carplay-y-como-activarlo.html?utm_source=openai))
Multi-Touch Support in Navigation Apps
Navigation apps within CarPlay now support multi-touch gestures, allowing users to interact with maps more intuitively. Users can pinch to zoom, double-tap to zoom in, and use two-finger gestures to adjust the map’s pitch and rotation. These familiar gestures enhance the ease of use and provide a more interactive navigation experience. ([autoevolution.com](https://www.autoevolution.com/news/5-surprise-carplay-features-apple-didn-t-announce-but-you-ll-still-get-in-ios-26-252823.html?utm_source=openai))
Sound Recognition Enhancements
Building on existing accessibility features, CarPlay’s Sound Recognition now includes the ability to detect specific sounds, such as a crying baby. This feature is particularly beneficial for caregivers who may have infants seated in the back, as it provides timely alerts to attend to the child’s needs. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/06/carplay-in-ios-26-three-new-features-are-coming/?utm_source=openai))
Availability and Compatibility
The iOS 26 update is currently available in developer beta, with a public beta expected to follow. The official release is slated for later this year. While many of these features will be available to all CarPlay users, certain functionalities, like video playback via AirPlay, require support from car manufacturers. Users are encouraged to check with their vehicle’s manufacturer for compatibility details.
In summary, iOS 26 brings a comprehensive overhaul to CarPlay, introducing a modern design, enhanced customization options, and new features that collectively aim to provide a safer, more personalized, and engaging in-car experience.
