CarPlay Live Activities update

Apple CarPlay now supports Live Activities, bringing real-time iPhone updates to the car dashboard with iOS 26.

Apple CarPlay Adds Live Activities in iOS 26

Apple CarPlay will display Live Activities from iPhone apps on the car screen once iOS 26 is installed. The feature brings flight arrivals, delivery progress, sports scores, and weather updates to the dashboard, mirroring the live updates that first appeared on iPhone in 2022 and later expanded to other Apple devices. Automakers continue to build their own infotainment systems, but CarPlay remains widely used, making the dashboard feel more like a continuous extension of the iPhone.

Drivers can enable or disable Live Activities in the iOS 26 settings, and the updates will appear on CarPlay as long as the iPhone is connected. This move tightens Apple’s ecosystem across devices and makes it easier to view real-time information without touching the phone, signaling a broader push toward software-driven driving experiences.

The shift shows Apple betting on software layering to redefine the everyday driving experience. It also raises questions about how much information is healthy to display on a dashboard while behind the wheel. Car makers face a balance between utility and safety, as more live data could tempt glance-driven interactions. This move could nudge more drivers toward a data-rich routine, while others may prefer a simpler, traditional setup.

Highlights

The road ahead will test how much we value convenience over attention