Originally called “iOS by car”, Apple Carplay He has made a long way in the last decade. Now supports iPhone Connections for over 800 different cars and motorcycle models. It is also about to go through a massive redesign with a series of new features.
Apple is updating Carplay’s experience with the recent revelation iOS 26. Apple announced the changes during its annual WWDC event In Cupertino, California, June 9th.
Apple iPhone-The compatible automotive operating system is used over 600 million times a day, according to the technology giant. The entire Carplay system is getting an update, including icons in light and dark mode, widgets to give you “quick and free ways to get information” while you are on the move and live activities such as the flight status.
“We have also added new features to help you connect while driving, as a compact design when you receive a call, so you can still see what’s on the screen, like your next directions, together with Tip Back and conversations pinned in the messages,” said Apple’s Emily Schubert during the WWDC Keynote.
Now there are also vehicle controls in Apple Carplay, including radio and air conditioning.
You can use Apple Carplay to check the climate in your car.
The filming of Apple during the Keynote also showed that it is possible to send emoji reactions to the messages while you are traveling, without navigating away from your directions. You can also see things like calendar reminder and intelligent house controls in the widgets on the display side.
Apple has launched Carplay Ultra Last month, bringing more personalized features that car manufacturers must include.
“Provides information for all the driver screens, including content in real time and measures in the framework of the tools, reflecting while the appearance of the car manufacturer and offers drivers a customizable experience,” said Apple in a blog post in May.
All the new carplay features arriving in iOS 26
Here is a cart of the new main features that will be added to Carplay with the launch of iOS 26.
Liquid glass design
Just like an iPhone with iOS 26, Carplay will get the same review of the translucent design that Apple is calling Liquid glassWith buttons that add a sensation of depth. Carplay icons may not have the same moving effect as your iPhone, but they will have the same shiny appearance, similar to glass.
Compact view
One of the newest features of Carplay with iOS 26 is a new vision that does not interrupt navigation when the phone calls arrive. Instead of taking over the whole screen, the incoming calls now will appear in a smaller window in the lower part, so you will be able to see the indications shot.
During navigation, the phone calls will now be displayed in a much smaller window in the lower part of the display.
New features in messages
The messages on Carplay with iOS 26 will add the opportunity to reply with tapbacks like inches up, thumbs down, a heart or exclamation signs. It will also allow you to pin the messages at the top of the interface.
New accidents to report in the maps
The maps will soon add three new types of accidents to report in Carplay. Together with existing accidents, speed controls and dangers, the iOS 26 update will also include road works, road closures and traffic.
Video streaming while it is parked
The new carplay with iOS 26 will allow streaming videos to your car screen from your iPhone using airplay. As soon as the car starts moving, the function should be disabled. The fact that you are able to transmit in streaming video can depend on the car model.
Live activity and widget
New live activities in Carplay will provide real -time information while driving.
Using Carplay with iOS 26, the same widgets you have on your iPhone should work in your car. Widgets are currently available only through the premium version of Apple of the service, Carplay Ultra. Soon you will also be able to see real -time updates and information from live activities such as flight trackers.
Intelligent display zoom
When this new functionality is enabled in Carplay with iOS 26, the Carplay interface will automatically be reduced to better use the available screen space, regardless of its size. For example, a smaller screen will reduce the size of the icons so that two lines of app icons can adapt correctly.
