CarPlay is receiving major upgrades with the release of iOS 26, which includes a new interface, advanced features like widgets and Live Activities, and enhanced integration with your vehicle. These changes were previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025 and are available to users now. The more comprehensive CarPlay Ultra is also rolling out to select new vehicles.
New features and design with iOS 26
- New “Liquid Glass” design: CarPlay adopts a new, sleeker aesthetic with translucent, rounded, and glass-like elements, matching the redesign of the iOS 26 iPhone interface.
- Widgets: The highly requested widget feature is now standard on CarPlay. Users can add and customize widgets for weather, calendar, reminders, and HomeKit controls directly on their infotainment screen.
- Live Activities: Information from Live Activities on your iPhone—such as real-time flight tracking, sports scores, or food delivery status—can now be displayed in CarPlay.
- Less intrusive calls: Incoming phone calls no longer take over the entire screen. Instead, they appear as a small pop-up notification at the bottom, so you can continue viewing navigation directions without interruption.
- Video streaming when parked: For the first time, CarPlay supports video playback from services like Netflix or Hulu via AirPlay, but only when the car is in park for safety.
- Enhanced messaging: Quick emoji-based “Tapback” responses are now available within CarPlay’s Messages app. You can also pin conversations for easier access.
- Smart display zoom: A new accessibility setting allows CarPlay to automatically optimize its interface for different vehicle screen sizes, including the option to adjust text and icon sizes.
CarPlay Ultra expansion
The next generation of CarPlay, known as CarPlay Ultra, offers a deeper level of vehicle integration than the standard version. It can take over all driver and infotainment screens, including the gauge cluster.
- Deeper vehicle control: On supported cars, Ultra can control vehicle functions such as climate, radio, and customizable drive modes directly from the CarPlay interface.
- Multi-screen dashboard: CarPlay Ultra can display information like navigation and gauges across all available screens, with the ability for automakers to maintain their distinct brand look and feel.
- Expanded availability: The initial launch partner for CarPlay Ultra was Aston Martin in May 2025. Apple has confirmed that more automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Ford, and Volvo, are working to implement the new technology.
How to get the new updates
The major CarPlay update is tied to iOS 26. To access the new features, simply update your compatible iPhone to iOS 26, and the changes will automatically appear in your vehicle’s CarPlay interface. The next-generation CarPlay Ultra, however, requires a compatible vehicle that specifically supports the more deeply integrated system.
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