Explore the iOS 26 CarPlay update: Liquid Glass design, Tapback messages, Live Activities widgets, video via AirPlay when parked. iPhone 11+ supported.
© A. Krivonosov
With iOS 26, Apple refreshed not only the iPhone and iPad but also its in-car platform, CarPlay. The interface now feels more contemporary, and the feature set has grown. Here are the changes drivers will actually notice.
The headline visual shift is a style Apple calls Liquid Glass. CarPlay now features semi-transparent elements and livelier app icons. The look sits closer to iOS while remaining easy to operate on the move. There is no option to switch back, so some adjustment is in order.
CarPlay finally supports Tapback reactions from iMessage, letting you quickly add a like, heart, or emoji right from the car display. Pinned conversations stand out more and are easier to reach. Incoming calls no longer cover navigation — they show up as a compact banner at the bottom, cutting down on those moments when a spam call hijacks the screen.
Live Activities arrive in CarPlay, so you can follow a flight status or a game score in real time. There is also a new widget panel with calendar, HomeKit controls, and shortcuts to key actions. For drivers with low vision, Smart Display Zoom enlarges icons and text — a small touch that makes a big difference.
The most unexpected addition is video playback in CarPlay, limited to when the vehicle is parked. Through AirPlay, you can cast YouTube and other streaming services to the car’s display. It is a handy way to pass the time while you wait, without blurring the safety line.
The new features are available on iPhone models starting with iPhone 11 and newer, including SE. Because CarPlay depends directly on iOS, updating the phone is a must.
Apple shows it can make in-car software better than automakers: the new CarPlay is more capable, safer, and more pleasant to use. And while car companies are not rushing to hand over full control to Apple, updates like this suggest where things are headed — toward smart, user-friendly interfaces from tech giants.