Apple's iOS 26.2 update brings CarPlay upgrades: more simultaneous widgets on supported cars and an option to disable pinned conversations in Messages.
© A. Krivonosov
With the iOS 26.2 update, Apple is rolling out new tricks for Reminders, Podcasts, and Apple Music—and CarPlay isn’t left out. Drivers will notice two meaningful upgrades designed to make the interface feel more accommodating.
Widgets arrived in CarPlay with iOS 26, and many motorists welcomed the quick-glance access to key information. In iOS 26.2, Apple is widening that capability: on certain cars, the number of widgets shown at the same time has increased. It’s a modest tweak that can cut down on extra taps when you’re on the road.
According to The Verge’s Tom Warren, after installing iOS 26.2 his car began showing three widget stacks instead of the two available previously. Several users have seen similar changes, though others report no difference and still see the earlier layout.
Apple hasn’t spelled out the criteria for the expanded view, but it likely hinges on specific vehicle models and screen characteristics. Either way, having room for more widgets makes CarPlay feel denser with useful information and a bit easier to live with day to day.
With iOS 26, the Messages app in CarPlay gains two enhancements: swipe gestures and pinned conversations. It turns out pinned threads aren’t always ideal—especially on smaller displays, where clarity matters most.
In iOS 26.2, Apple adds a simple option to disable pinned chats entirely. You’ll find it in CarPlay Settings under Pinned Conversations. Once turned off, Messages goes back to the classic list where the latest conversations sit at the top—a straightforward change that prioritizes what’s new and keeps distractions low.