Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote gave us a glimpse of the future—not just for iPhones, but for how we interact with our vehicles. With the introduction of iOS 26, CarPlay is receiving its biggest update yet. From sleek design changes to practical features that enhance safety and convenience, Apple is redefining the digital dashboard.
Here’s what’s new in CarPlay with iOS 26—and why it matters.
A Fresh Look: Liquid Glass Design
The biggest visual upgrade is the new Liquid Glass design language. Borrowing cues from visionOS and macOS Sequoia, this UI overhaul brings a clean, translucent interface that feels both modern and immersive. It adds polish to the CarPlay environment and offers a more cohesive experience across Apple’s platforms.
Smarter Calls and Messages
CarPlay now handles calls and messages more intelligently to reduce distraction:
- Compact Call Banner: Incoming calls no longer take over the whole screen. A small banner appears at the bottom, allowing you to stay focused on directions or music.
- Message Tapbacks: For the first time, you can now respond to texts with emoji tapbacks—just like on your iPhone. It’s a quick, simple way to acknowledge a message without taking your eyes off the road for long.
Widgets and Live Activities
This is a game-changer. CarPlay now supports widgets and Live Activities, letting you:
- Check weather or calendar events at a glance
- Monitor delivery updates or flight statuses
- Use smart home controls—all from your car’s screen
No special CarPlay apps needed: if a widget works on your iPhone, it will show up in CarPlay automatically.
More Control with CarPlay Ultra
Building on the CarPlay foundation, Apple is expanding CarPlay Ultra—a version that integrates deeply into your car’s systems. It gives you access to climate controls, seat adjustments, instrument clusters, and more—all through Apple’s interface.
Previously available only in a few luxury cars, CarPlay Ultra is now rolling out to more brands, including Porsche, Mercedes, Ford, and Hyundai.
Accessibility & Safety First
iOS 26 brings thoughtful additions for accessibility and safety, including:
- Sound Recognition for emergency vehicle sirens
- Large Text Modes for easier viewing
- Subtle interface cues that reduce driver distraction
Why It All Matters
Apple isn’t just updating CarPlay—they’re future-proofing it. With automakers increasingly integrating digital dashboards and consumers expecting smarter experiences, iOS 26 positions CarPlay as not just a mirror of your phone, but the central control hub for your vehicle.
When Can You Get It?
- Developer Beta: Available now
- Public Beta: Launches in July
- Full Release: Fall 2025 (likely September)
CarPlay in iOS 26 feels like a natural extension of Apple’s broader vision: personalized, powerful, and user-friendly. Whether you’re navigating, texting, or controlling your car’s climate, Apple wants it to feel effortless—and in iOS 26, it finally does.
Buckle up. The future of driving just got an Apple upgrade.
