The update aims to make CarPlay safer, less distracting, and more useful for everyday driving, with a rollout expected this fall for iPhone 11 and newer.
Apple is preparing to launch a major update to CarPlay alongside iOS 26, and it’s shaping up to be the most comprehensive overhaul the in-car software has ever received. The update, first announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June, focuses on a fresh new look, smarter notifications, and a host of features aimed at making life behind the wheel simpler and less distracting.
The first thing drivers will notice is the new “Liquid Glass” design language. This gives CarPlay a sleeker, more modern appearance, with transparent elements and subtle reflections that make the interface feel more like a natural extension of the car’s own displays. The system automatically switches between light and dark modes depending on the time of day, and users can choose from a range of new wallpapers for further personalization.
One of the most requested fixes is finally here: incoming calls and messages no longer take over the entire screen. Instead, notifications now appear in a compact pop-up at the bottom, so navigation directions or other important information remain visible. This small change should make a big difference for anyone who’s missed a turn because a call or text blocked the map.
CarPlay is also getting much more customizable. Widgets are now available, letting drivers pin useful information like weather, calendar events, reminders, and even smart home controls right to the CarPlay home screen. The new Live Activities feature brings real-time updates—think flight statuses, sports scores, or package deliveries—directly to the dashboard, all without pulling attention away from the road.
Messaging has been improved as well. Drivers can now pin favorite conversations for quick access, and respond to messages with emoji “Tapbacks” using the touchscreen. This adds a layer of convenience for staying connected without fumbling for the phone or getting lost in menus.
Another big addition is deeper integration with vehicle controls. CarPlay now lets users adjust things like climate settings and radio stations directly from the interface, making it possible to manage more of the car’s features without leaving the CarPlay environment. This is especially significant as Apple rolls out CarPlay Ultra, a next-generation version that extends the CarPlay experience to instrument clusters and other in-car screens, starting with new Aston Martin models and expanding to more brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis over the next year.
The update will be available as a free download for iPhone 11 and newer devices running iOS 26, with a public beta coming soon and a full rollout expected this fall. Apple says the goal is to make CarPlay not just prettier, but genuinely easier and safer to use, with more options for personalization and less clutter on screen.
For drivers who rely on CarPlay every day, these changes promise a more seamless, less distracting, and more useful in-car experience—whether you’re navigating, catching up on messages, or just trying to keep your coffee from spilling on the morning commute.
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