At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a sweeping iOS 26 update delivering the “Liquid Glass” design and major usability enhancements to CarPlay — giving drivers a sleeker, smarter in-car experience
✨ What’s New in CarPlay
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Liquid Glass design makeover
CarPlay now sports the same translucent, refractive UI treatment seen across iOS, allowing smoother visuals with dynamic Light, Dark, and “Clear” modes -
Widgets on the dashboard
Swipe right from the home screen to access glanceable widgets drawn from iPhone — calendar, weather, smart home controls, and more -
Live Activities support
Real-time updates like delivery tracking, flight statuses, and sports scores now appear as active tiles on CarPlay’s dashboard -
Less intrusive calls & messaging
Incoming calls now show as small pop-ups, and Messages includes tappable emoji (Tapbacks) and pinned conversations — keeping focus on navigation Video streaming via AirPlay (parked only) When your car’s parked, you’ll be able to mirror video from your iPhone to the CarPlay screen — perfect for EV charging waits and rest stops
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Compatibility
Most measurable features are available to all CarPlay-equipped vehicles; deeper vehicle control requires CarPlay Ultra, currently exclusive to Aston Martin but likely expanding
🎯 Why This Matters
| Upgrade | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Liquid Glass aesthetic | Offers a unified, premium, and less distracting UI across devices |
| Widgets & Live Activities | Garners essential alerts without taking eyes off the road |
| Minimal interruptions | Streamlined calls and messages help maintain situational awareness |
| Parked video | Turns the car into a mini-entertainment hub during downtimes |
Apple’s iOS 26 era is poised to make our cars feel more like extensions of our iPhones — stylish, functional, and increasingly intelligent.
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