CarPlay in iOS 26: New Look and Features

With iOS 26 Apple gives CarPlay a significant refresh. The update focuses on making the in-car iPhone experience more compact, informative and easier to interact with while driving.

Key changes

• New visual design: A fresher, more compact interface with translucent elements and new wallpaper options.
• Widgets on the dash: Add widgets from iPhone apps (even apps without native CarPlay widgets) for quick access to info.
• Live Activities: Real-time tracking (flights, rideshares, deliveries) integrated into CarPlay widgets.
• Improved Messages: Tapbacks and pinned conversations for safer, faster communication while driving.
• Smarter navigation: Better zooming and map interaction; pinch-to-zoom where supported.
• Refined call handling: Incoming call UI now coexists better with navigation and other content to reduce distraction.

Read the official Apple summary for more details: Apple — iOS 26 overview

Which CarPlay feature do you think will make the biggest difference on the road? Share your thoughts below.