Apple is rolling out new software for iPhone users beginning this fall: iOS 26. With that, we’ll see key updates to our iPhones and iPads, but most importantly for automotive enthusiasts, there will be major changes to the Apple CarPlay experience.
Alongside a subtle redesign and a few additional things to play with, the latest version of CarPlay should make the ubiquitous in-car technology that much easier to use. Here’s what you can expect when it debuts later this year.
Liquid Glass Design
It starts with the look. Apple will introduce a new Liquid Glass design on iPhone that will extend to the CarPlay interface. The redesign will include visual updates to the apps, background, and border, with translucent and glossy elements making it all look a bit more modern.
Compact View For Calls
Currently, when taking a call over Apple CarPlay, the active call takes up the entirety of the screen. Not anymore. iOS 26 will introduce a new Compact View for calls that puts a much smaller call bar at the base of the screen, which allows you to use Maps and other functions while taking the call.
Text Message Responses
Any iPhone user knows that a quick way to end a text thread is with a simple thumbs-up Tapback response to the previous text message. Now you can do that in CarPlay, with a projection that pops up on screen showing the same heart, thumbs up, and exclamation mark responses as on your phone.
Live Activities
Let's say you have Maps active on your way to pick up your spouse from the airport, but also want to keep track of their incoming flight. Well, now you can with the Live Activities function, which projects on-screen alongside maps, allowing you to keep track of activities as they happen.
Widgets
Once limited exclusively to CarPlay Ultra, now every CarPlay user will be able to add adjustable widgets to their homescreen. That means your calendar, smart home functions, and more are accessible with one click.
CarPlay Ultra Expansion
Widgets aren’t the only expansion of Apple’s CarPlay Ultra features. If you have an Aston Martin, you can access the full breadth of CarPlay Ultra, which extends features like navigation to every single screen in the vehicle, including the instrument cluster. Other automakers, like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Volvo, are also expected to add CarPlay Ultra features in the coming months.
