By Ctionsapple Carplay

Copyright indiatimes

Apple CarPlay in iOS 26 has received a major upgrade with new features that will transform road trips and driving experiences.

Apple has rolled out iOS 26, and with it comes a substantial upgrade to Apple CarPlay that is set to redefine in-car connectivity for iPhone users. This latest version transforms CarPlay into a smarter, more visually appealing, and highly interactive tool, designed to enhance every journey. What makes this update fascinating is that no vehicle-specific updates are necessary—just upgrade your iPhone, and CarPlay automatically adapts. With a redesigned look, smarter tools, and hints of what’s coming next, CarPlay in iOS 26 feels like a major step forward. Drivers who update will immediately notice changes that affect how they navigate, communicate, and even relax in their cars. CarPlay now mirrors the design shift Apple has made across iOS 26. The interface looks sharper, with glass-like visuals and softer edges that give a premium feel.ALSO READ: Nvidia stock hit by China crackdown fears — NVDA shares fall sharply as Beijing extends regulatory probe amid rising US-China tensionsLive Events These subtle updates make the system easier on the eyes, blending better with modern car dashboards where digital displays are becoming the centerpiece. But Apple hasn’t stopped at visuals. Daily interactions are smoother too. Calls no longer take over the entire screen, messages can be managed more naturally with pinned chats and quick Tapbacks, and new widgets keep weather, reminders, and calendar events right at your fingertips. The goal is simple: reduce distractions and keep the focus on driving while still giving access to what matters most. Perhaps the most surprising addition is video streaming through AirPlay. While restricted to when the car is parked, it points to Apple’s broader ambition of turning CarPlay into more than a navigation and music hub. For drivers of electric cars especially, this could mean making charging breaks more enjoyable. It’s a glimpse of the road ahead—where CarPlay might become a true all-in-one entertainment and control center inside your vehicle.Here’s a look at the three key areas where CarPlay shines differently with iOS 26:1. iOS 18 brings improved Voice Control to CarPlay. Drivers can now navigate maps, send messages, and launch apps entirely by voice. Saying “Hey Siri, play my driving playlist” or “Send a message to Alex” now works seamlessly, reducing distractions. This hands-free functionality is particularly beneficial for drivers with motor impairments. Activating Voice Control is simple: press the steering wheel button or say “Hey Siri.” Apple reports that voice-driven interactions in CarPlay have increased by over 20% among beta testers, highlighting the feature’s real-world usability.2. Apple continues to prioritize inclusivity. iOS 18 introduces several accessibility enhancements: Color Filters: Users with color blindness can now distinguish interface elements more easily. Bold Text: Text on CarPlay screens is clearer and easier to read, aiding low-vision users. Sound Recognition: Alerts for sirens, car horns, and other critical sounds ensure drivers never miss important cues.3. iOS 18 also gives drivers more control over CarPlay’s look and feel: Custom Dashboard: Arrange apps to match personal preferences and prioritize frequently used tools. Wallpaper Options: Drivers can choose custom backgrounds, adding a personal touch to their CarPlay screen. Enhanced App Integration: Third-party apps now connect more deeply with CarPlay, enabling smoother navigation, music streaming, and messaging experiences.How does the new CarPlay look different? The first thing you’ll spot after updating is the design. Apple has carried its new “Liquid Glass” style into CarPlay, making the interface look sleeker and more modern. The visuals are cleaner, with soft edges, translucent layers, and an almost glass-like effect that gives a sense of depth. Even small touches stand out. App icons feel sharper, while fresh wallpapers and improved dark mode options add polish. For years, CarPlay has been about function over flash. With iOS 26, Apple is showing it can do both—keeping the system useful but also visually appealing, especially as cars increasingly compete on digital experiences. What everyday features will feel smarter? Beyond the fresh look, iOS 26 brings meaningful upgrades to everyday driving. One of the most useful is Live Activities. Now, information like sports scores, flight updates, or package tracking can appear directly on your CarPlay screen. You no longer need to glance at your iPhone or switch between apps to stay updated. Messaging has also been rethought. Pinned conversations finally appear in CarPlay, making it easier to jump into the chats you care about most. Quick reactions, or Tapbacks, are supported too, letting you respond with a heart or thumbs-up without typing or dictating. Incoming calls get a big usability upgrade. Instead of taking over the entire display, they now show in a compact banner view. This means your map or music won’t be interrupted—a small but powerful improvement that makes CarPlay feel less intrusive during busy drives. Widgets are expanding as well. Drivers can add more at-a-glance tools for things like calendar events, reminders, or weather. Some even let you control smart-home devices from the car. These small additions turn CarPlay from a simple phone mirror into a smarter, more flexible assistant. Can you really stream video in the car? Yes—but with limits. iOS 26 introduces AirPlay video streaming to CarPlay, letting you project video from your iPhone onto the car’s screen. This only works when the vehicle is parked, ensuring safety isn’t compromised. It’s ideal for passing time while waiting to pick someone up or while charging an EV. That said, not every car will support it right away. Automakers need to enable the feature in their infotainment systems, so availability will vary. Still, this marks Apple’s clearest move yet into in-car entertainment, a space where automakers have been trying to keep drivers inside their ecosystems. Apple seems determined to show that CarPlay can match, if not surpass, those native systems.FAQs: Q1. What’s new in CarPlay with iOS 26? A refreshed design, compact call view, smarter messaging, expanded widgets, Live Activities, and AirPlay video streaming when parked. Q2. Do all cars support the new CarPlay features? Not yet. Some features, like AirPlay video, need automaker support and may only work in newer models.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onApple CarPlay iOS 26 new featuresapple carplay ios 26 updatecarplay new featurescarplay design changeslive activities in carplaycarplay airplay video streamingcarplay widgets updateapple carplay upgrade 2025ios 26 carplay improvements(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless