CarPlay expands with iOS 26 release

iOS 26 brings CarPlay a major upgrade with widgets video viewing and smarter layouts.

CarPlay expands in iOS 26 with widgets video and live activities

Apple is delivering a sizable CarPlay refresh in iOS 26. The update introduces a Liquid Glass design across the car interface, updating app icons and UI with new appearance modes and fresh wallpapers inspired by the iPhone’s default look. In addition, CarPlay gains support for widgets from any installed iPhone app, meaning you can see widgets on the dash without apps needing special CarPlay compatibility.

A notable addition is video in the car via AirPlay when the vehicle is parked. This feature targets moments when you are waiting or charging an EV, turning idle time into a screens experience. Live Activities from the iPhone now show up in CarPlay as well, letting you track flights scores or deliveries directly on the car display. Other improvements extend to Messages with tapbacks and pinned conversations in CarPlay, a compact call UI so navigation isn’t blocked, and a multitouch capable Maps experience for vehicles with touch displays. Apple also adds a Smart Display Zoom option to fit more content on smaller screens and introduces text resizing and a choice to enable or disable CarPlay screenshots.

The update marks a shift in how Apple views the car screen. By letting third party widgets appear on CarPlay and letting video flow when parked, the system becomes a more flexible companion for both routine driving and waiting moments. Yet the changes also raise questions about safety and distractions on smaller car displays. Automakers must balance new layouts with legibility and touch targets, and developers gain a broader canvas but face a more crowded dashboard ecosystem. Overall, the move signals a deeper integration of the iPhone ecosystem into the car, potentially expanding Apple’s influence over in vehicle software while inviting new questions about privacy and data sharing.

Highlights

Change on wheels is coming, and the road will reveal how drivers respond