Along with a Liquid Glass design overhaul, iOS 26 will enhance the CarPlay expertise by bringing a number of iPhone options to vehicles’ infotainment shows.
If you happen to’re a fan of Apple’s in-car software program, take a look at how iOS 26 will improve your expertise later this 12 months.
Every part new in CarPlay in iOS 26
Since its introduction in 2014, Apple’s CarPlay has develop into an important a part of the in-car infotainment system for almost all of iPhone customers. Some individuals received’t even take into account shopping for a automobile that doesn’t assist CarPlay. (Don’t have CarPlay? You may add it on a budget with after-market {hardware} like this $65 dashboard show.)
Yearly, Apple retains bettering CarPlay with new options and enhancements. iOS 26 takes issues up a notch, pairing that translucent Liquid Glass design with a bunch of enhancements that can make CarPlay smarter and extra helpful than ever.
Notice: iOS 26 will convey these options to the common model of CarPlay that you simply already know and love, not the extra formidable CarPlay Extremely that takes over the entire dashboard. That superior infotainment system stays in limbo, with few automakers keen to provide Apple a lot management.
Desk of contents: Every part new in CarPlay in iOS 26
Liquid Glass design
Like all of Apple’s different working methods, the revamped CarPlay expertise in iOS 26 adopts Apple’s new Liquid Glass design. The buttons and different UI parts have a glassy look with a depth impact. (The glassy design additionally extends to CarPlay Extremely.)
Compact view involves CarPlay in iOS 26 so you may see navigation higher
Quickly, an incoming cellphone name will not take over your automobile’s complete infotainment display screen. As an alternative, the CarPlay improve introduces a compact view, the place incoming calls seem in a floating bar on the backside. It will guarantee you may view turn-by-turn navigation instructions with out dropping sight of the incoming name.
Tapbacks assist within the Messages app

Picture: Apple
The Messages app in CarPlay good points assist for Tapbacks in iOS 26. So, you may reply to messages with a thumbs up/down, coronary heart, and many others., with a easy faucet.
Pin your vital conversations

Picture: Apple
Just like the Messages app on the iPhone, CarPlay in iOS 26 will allow you to pin vital conversations to the highest for fast and easy accessibility.
Higher use of the accessible show
CarPlay will robotically modify the scale of icons and UI parts relying on the scale of your automobile’s infotainment show. It will present a greater expertise, with the UI parts not wanting misplaced on a smaller show.
Reside Actions

Picture: Apple
Apple expands Reside Actions past the iPhone and Mac to CarPlay with iOS 26. Meaning you may simply preserve monitor of real-time notifications whereas driving, together with your meals supply standing, sports activities scores, and many others.
Widgets

Picture: Apple
Alongside Reside Actions, iOS 26 brings iPhone widgets to CarPlay, full with full-stack assist. Relying on the scale of your automobile’s infotainment show, you may place a number of widgets seem on the display screen.
Stream movies
After you improve to this 12 months’s iPhone software program, it is possible for you to to play movies immediately in your automobile’s infotainment system. Nonetheless, the performance will solely work in parked autos.
New incident reporting in Apple Maps
Apple Maps in CarPlay will add assist for 3 new incident varieties: roadwork, street closures and visitors.
iOS 26 brings massive enhancements to CarPlay
These enhancements will land in your automobile’s infotainment system as soon as Apple releases iOS 26 to the general public this fall. However you may all the time check out the brand new CarPlay by putting in the iOS 26 beta in your iPhone. Simply be able to take care of bugs and random app crashes.