Apple’s iOS 26, launching September 15, 2025 , brings major upgrades to CarPlay, enhancing your in-car iPhone experience with a sleek design, new features, and seamless integration.

Announced at the September 9 “Awe-Dropping” event, these updates make CarPlay smarter and safer. Here’s what you need to know to prepare and what’s new, with direct links for more details.

How to Get iOS 26 CarPlay Updates

iOS 26 rolls out on September 15, 2025 , for iPhone 11 and later. To update:

  1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
  2. Connect to your car’s CarPlay system (wired or wireless), and the new features activate automatically—no vehicle updates needed.

Note : Video streaming requires AirPlay support from your car (e.g., select GM or Ford models). Check with your automaker for compatibility. Enable automatic updates for instant access at Apple’s iOS 26 page .

New CarPlay Features in iOS 26

iOS 26 transforms CarPlay with practical, driver-friendly upgrades:

  • Liquid Glass Design : A modern, translucent interface with refreshed icons and smoother navigation for a premium look.
  • Widgets for All : Calendar, Weather, Reminders, and Home controls are now accessible on standard CarPlay, not just CarPlay Ultra. Customize at Apple’s Widgets Gallery .
  • Live Activities : Real-time updates for sports scores, flight statuses, or delivery tracking appear as compact banners, keeping you informed without distraction.
  • AirPlay Video Streaming : Stream videos (e.g., Apple TV+, YouTube) on your car’s screen when parked. Requires AirPlay-compatible vehicles; disabled while driving for safety.
  • Smarter Apps : Calls : Compact caller ID view to avoid blocking navigation. Messages : Tapbacks (e.g., thumbs up) for quick replies. Maps : Multitouch support for pinch-to-zoom on touch-enabled displays. Live Translation : Real-time translation for calls and texts in select languages (e.g., English, Spanish).
  • Privacy : Option to disable CarPlay screenshots for added security.

What Happens If You Don’t Update?

Skipping iOS 26 means missing the new design, widgets, Live Activities, and video streaming. Your current CarPlay will still work, but you’ll lack the enhanced features. Back up your iPhone via iCloud before updating to avoid data loss.

Why These Changes Matter

The iOS 26 CarPlay updates prioritize safety and convenience, delivering glanceable info and reducing distractions for over 600 million daily users. The Liquid Glass design and Live Activities make your dashboard more intuitive, while video streaming turns parked cars into entertainment hubs. Early beta testers praise the responsiveness, though minor glitches may appear at launch.

Key Tips

  • Check AirPlay Support : Confirm with your car’s manufacturer (e.g., Chevrolet, Aston Martin) for video streaming eligibility.

  • Update Early : High-demand models like the iPhone 17 (pre-orders start September 12) may strain servers, so update promptly.

  • Troubleshooting : Visit Apple Support for CarPlay for setup or compatibility issues.

  • Apple’s iOS 26 Preview : Full feature list.

  • 9to5Mac CarPlay Guide : Detailed insights.

  • MacRumors iOS 26 Features : In-depth analysis.

Get ready to elevate your drive with iOS 26’s CarPlay upgrades on September 15. Need help with setup? Reply below.