Apple CarPlay Gets a Major Overhaul: Discover the Latest Features in iOS 26 Updates

Daily Technology

26/01/2026

Apple has significantly enhanced its CarPlay system in recent months, rolling out a series of upgrades through iOS 26, iOS 26.1, and iOS 26.2. These updates, spurred by a renewed focus on the automotive platform, aim to provide a more fluid, expressive, and less distracting user experience for drivers. From a redesigned interface to new notification systems and expanded widget capabilities, CarPlay is becoming an even more integral part of the driving experience.

Key Takeaways

A new "Liquid Glass" design language offers a more intuitive and visually appealing interface.
Notifications are now less intrusive, appearing at the top of the screen to avoid blocking navigation.
Messages receive significant upgrades, including Tapback replies and the ability to unpin chats.
Widgets and Live Activities provide at-a-glance information and real-time tracking.
Video AirPlay is now available for use when the vehicle is parked.

A Refreshed Interface with Liquid Glass

Apple's "Liquid Glass" design language, introduced with iOS 26, represents the most substantial change to the iPhone interface in over a decade. This update makes icons, interactions, and apps more fluid and expressive, while also managing screen reflections to help drivers focus on the road. The new design simplifies the CarPlay experience, making it more intuitive and visually engaging.

Enhanced Notifications and Messaging

Incoming calls and messages are now handled with a new, less intrusive notification system. Instead of taking over the entire screen, alerts appear in a compact banner at the top, ensuring navigation information remains visible. The Messages app also sees improvements, including the long-awaited addition of Tapback replies and the ability to unpin chats and group chats, adding a layer of organization and privacy.

Widgets and Live Activities Arrive

CarPlay now supports widgets, offering quick access to information like music playback, daily appointments, or starting navigation. iOS 26.2 expanded this to three rows of widgets. Live Activities further enhance the experience by allowing users to track real-time events such as flights, sports scores, or delivery statuses directly from the CarPlay interface, keeping users informed without requiring them to open multiple apps.

Video AirPlay for Parked Vehicles

While video streaming apps are not directly available in CarPlay, users can now AirPlay video content to their vehicle's display when parked. This feature, introduced in iOS 26, allows for streaming from services like YouTube or Netflix, turning the infotainment screen into a more versatile entertainment hub during stops, similar to features found in other modern vehicles.

CarPlay Ultra: A Deeper Integration

For select vehicles, such as top-tier Aston Martins, CarPlay Ultra offers an even more integrated experience. This advanced version extends the Liquid Glass design and enhanced features across the entire vehicle system, not just the infotainment panel. With more customization options, additional widget rows, and deeper system integration, CarPlay Ultra aims to make the vehicle's interface more powerful and user-friendly.

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