Android users, look away now. Or maybe don’t, in case you’re interested in what the new Apple updates have in store for motorists.
iOS 26 is about to launch later this year, and with it come nifty tweaks to Apple CarPlay. As you may have heard, the new operating system expands the UX of iPhone users, allowing them to customize their screens through the new Liquid Glass. This new design extends to the CarPlay interface.
Incoming calls when using CarPlay now also have a more compact view, so as to not interfere with the navigation on the screen. In addition, Tapbacks and pinned messages are now available on Messages via CarPlay.
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Apple is also bringing widgets to CarPlay, allowing for a more personalized experience behind the wheel, ultimately enabling drivers to be more focused on the road.
The slew of enhancements to CarPlay include upgrades to Apple CarPlay Ultra. This is a feature that’s currently exclusive to Aston Martin in the US and Canada but will eventually be available in Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis cars. This more advanced version of CarPlay carries over to the instrument cluster and integrates vehicle functions such as climate control into the projected display.
Apple’s new iOS 26 is currently unavailable but public beta launch will be in July, with the full release slated for September 2025. Excited?
More photos of Apple CarPlay on iOS 26:
