Apple has announced iOS 26, which brings a range of exciting features and changes to CarPlay for vehicles. Users eager to explore these enhancements will need an iPhone running iOS 26, currently available in developer beta.
The final version is anticipated to be released to the public in September. One of the standout additions is the Liquid Glass design for CarPlay, which mirrors the aesthetic of iOS devices, featuring shimmering app icons and a more translucent user interface.
This visually appealing update enhances the overall user experience while using CarPlay. The new Messages app features in iOS 26 include the ability to respond to messages with standard Tapbacks, such as hearts or thumbs up, directly through CarPlay.
Moreover, users can view their pinned conversations, making it easier to access important chats. For phone calls, a compact view has been introduced, allowing users to see incoming calls without obscuring other vital information, like turn-by-turn directions.
Additionally, the Dashboard screen now supports Live Activities, enabling users to track important events, such as flight arrivals, effortlessly. CarPlay also expands its functionality with a new widgets screen, which provides direct access to calendar appointments and controls for HomeKit accessories.
Multi-touch support for mapping apps allows for zooming and panning with finger gestures, enhancing navigation ease. iOS 26 also introduces the capability to wirelessly stream videos to the CarPlay screen, though this feature will only be available when the vehicle is parked for safety reasons.
Furthermore, a Smart Display Zoom setting offers automatic resizing of CarPlay to fit various dashboard screen shapes, while new accessibility features include support for large text and sound recognition for identifying a crying baby inside the vehicle.
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