Apple CarPlay is about to get transformative new features.
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Apple’s iOS 26 update will grant users new CarPlay features.CarPlay is about to get even more engaging due to one high-demand feature.
Apple CarPlay completely transforms the driving experience for iPhone owners.
CarPlay connectivity allows iPhone users to link their smartphones to vehicle infotainment systems via a wired or wireless connection. The system grants access to useful apps for navigation, music streaming, podcast streaming, and more.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have received several updates over the years, becoming more integral parts of the modern driving experience for many drivers. Apple’s upcoming CarPlay update could be an absolute game-changer because of these new features.
Apple CarPlay is debuting new features in September, says Apple blog
Popular Apple news site 9to5Mac says that Apple’s iOS 26 update has plenty of new features in store for CarPlay. Everything from the appearance to available widgets, apps, and capabilities are getting upgraded.
One of the many new features is Apple’s Liquid Glass design for backgrounds and wallpapers. This gives CarPlay a fresh new appearance that’s more reflective of the iOS 26 update. A style upgrade is just the beginning when it comes to new CarPlay features.
Another major new feature is the introduction of widgets to standard CarPlay. Apple users will soon be able to access any widgets from installed apps via their vehicle’s infotainment system. This feature makes CarPlay more capable in terms of what it can display and gives drivers the ability to quickly use more iPhone shortcuts from their vehicle’s touchscreens.
Arguably the most impactful upcoming feature is AirPlay, a feature that will support in-vehicle video for standard CarPlay. This will allow drivers and occupants to enjoy videos via their car’s infotainment system when the vehicle is parked. This is a game-changer, as only some brands such as Tesla hosted infotaintment video streaming features prior to iOS 26.
Why iOS 26 could be revolutionary for Apple CarPlay
One of the greatest benefits of a video streaming feature on CarPlay is an elevated charging experience for EV owners. Once rolled out, non-Tesla EV owners who use CarPlay can watch videos on their infotainment screens while their car is charging, just like Tesla owners.
This feature essentially makes infotaiment systems “smarter” regardless of how modern or antiquated their native infotainment systems are. Vehicles are getting more tech-reliant and software-centric, so Apple’s decision to upgrade standard CarPlay is rational.
CarPlay Ultra takes things to a whole other level, allowing Apple’s unique user interface to dominate vehicle displays via infotainment and digital instrumental cluster screens. Standard CarPlay isn’t quite as advanced yet, but it’s certainly evolving with every iteration and becoming a quintessential part of the modern driving experience for iPhone users.
How Apple plans to combat distracted driving with iOS 26
Incorporating video streaming into CarPlay raises some obvious safety concerns. After all, driving around with eyes glued to your favorite show or an engaging new movie could be disastrous. Thankfully, Apple designed the feature to automatically pause video playback once the connected iPhone detects motion, according to PCMag.
So, streaming video content will be reserved for drivers and occupants who are safely parked and restricted for those who would attempt to stream and drive. As infotainment systems become increasingly engaging, Apple and Android will have to keep safety in mind as both software developers introduce new features.
That said, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are having a profound impact on the way drivers interact with their vehicles. The new CarPlay update is expected to roll out in September, according to 9to5Mac.