Carplay in iOS 26: Here is all new next month – 9to5mac

Over the past few years, the new Carplay features have been rare and little. But between the launch of Carplay Ultra and all the new ones coming in iOS 26 for standard Carplay, things have changed rapidly. Here’s what comes next month in iOS 26, the largest Carplay update in the years.

New design and wallpaper of “liquid glass”

As part of Apple’s design revision this year, a new look of iOS 26 liquid glass also in the car.

This means that application icons and different user interface elements have received a fresh new design, and you can even customize the look with different icon appearance modes, choose from the default, dark and clean – with what it offers several variants.

For the gallery of available design options you can find in our coverage here.

In addition, Carplay in iOS 26 Yefits from a series of new wallpapers created after the new default iPhone wallpaper.

Years ago, Carplay widgets were announced as part of the Apple “Next Generation of Carplay” initiative.

This new version eventually became Carplay Ultra, but fortunately Apple also brings widgets to a standard Carplay experience.

In iOS 26, your car shows any widgets from the installed applications of your iPhone. So the app will not have to offer you special Carplay support to use your widgets on the go.

Video in the car via AirPlay

Everyone found themselves sitting in the car and need to kill time? You have races. Carplay in iOS 26 will improve this experience with the support of the video in the car.

When your car is parked, Carplay now allows you to watch the video using your vehicle’s display. This feature uses AirPlay technology and third -party applications can create their own support.

The next time you charge your EV, you are waiting to pick up a friend or family member or some other similar situations, Carplay will be covered.

Live activity

It’s a big year for live activities, a feature that was an exclusive iPhone and Apple Watch. In addition to debut on Mac and iPad in Macos Tahoe and iPados 26, Carplay is now also supporting live activities.

In principle, in principle, you will basically see any living activity in CarPlay – ideal for monitoring flights, sports scores, food supplies and more.

Messages, phone, improvisation maps

Apple has a tone of new features coming to iOS 26 system applications, which will also have CarPlay. But here are several specific updates that I emphasize for messages, phone and maps.

The news finally brings support to your car to your car. This favorite message feature allows you to quickly and easily add thumbs up, heart or any other tappack to your friends’ messages. Conversions clipped are now also supported in the car.

The telephone application gets an important change in the iOS 26 user interface: The device will no longer take over your entire screen, but rather appear in a compact view, so you won’t miss important navigation information.

If your vehicle offers a multitouch display, Apple Maps allows you to interact with a multitouch map for the first time.

Carplay acquires a special “Smart Display Zoom” function in iOS 26, which provides greater flexibility in how your limited real estate with screen is used.

As can be seen here in our gallery, Smart Display Zoom allows you to mount significantly more content on the screen. Races, smaller things will get, the more complicated they could be tapped while driving. But depending on your settings, you can find a new alternative Comeling iOS 26 Carplay.

Similarly, Carplay will allow you to change the size of the text to your liking, which will increase and easier to read if it is your preference.

Finlly, iOS 26 now allows you to decide whether to enable or deactivate Carplay images.

New features CarPlay iOS 26: Packing

For Carplay, it turns into a huge year and starts a strong “new generation” for a long -time user. With all new features coming to CarPlay, iOS 26 offers much more than just upgrades for your iPhone – IP will be a big change for your car.

Which new features CarPlay in iOS 26 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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