Apple has officially launched its latest operating system, iOS 26. This time, the update puts a special focus on CarPlay. So if you use CarPlay by connecting your iPhone to your car, you’re in for a completely new experience. The first developer beta version is now available, while the public beta will be released next month. Meanwhile, the final update of iOS 26 will be rolled out to all users by the end of the year.
CarPlay Interface Like iPhone
After the iOS 26 update, when you use CarPlay, its interface will now look like your iPhone. Apple has included a Liquid Glass design, where app icons appear glossier and user interface elements look transparent. In simple words, your car’s screen will now look even more premium.
With iOS 26, Apple has made the messaging app on CarPlay much smarter. Now you’re not limited to just sending a thumbs up or heart reaction to a message. You can now send Tapback replies directly from CarPlay – making it easier to respond with reactions like hearts, thumbs, exclamations, etc. Not just that, you can now also view pinned chats on CarPlay, which wasn’t possible before.
Apple iOS 26 Smart Features
Now when a call comes to your car, a compact call view will appear – meaning the entire screen won’t be taken over. This allows you to still view other essential on-screen info like navigation directions at the same time. In addition, CarPlay’s dashboard screen can now show Live Activities. So, if you have a flight coming up, its ETA (Expected Time of Arrival) or other real-time updates can be displayed right on your car’s screen.
Widgets that were previously exclusive to the CarPlay Ultra version are now available to all users. You can now use a customizable widget screen for calendar appointments, HomeKit device control, and other features. This means CarPlay won’t just be a mirrored screen, but a smart dashboard – making your driving easier and more intelligent.
All these iOS 26 updates will also be fully available in CarPlay Ultra. So if you own a high-end car, you’ll get an ultra-fluid and glossy experience – making driving feel like a luxury.
