If Apple CarPlay is a part of your everyday driving, then this update of iOS 26 is very special for you. Apple recently announced the new iOS 26 during its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), and with this many big changes have also been seen in CarPlay.
iOS 26 Gets a New Name, a New Look
FFirst of all, if you are wondering how iOS 18.5 came directly to iOS 26, then do not get confused. Apple has now decided to name its software according to the year, hence iOS 26 for 2026. This change is not limited to the name, but now the user interface of CarPlay has also been completely changed.
Liquid Glass Design: Even More beautiful, Even Clearer
Apple has now made the interface of CarPlay more premium and customizable. With the new “Liquid Glass” design, the icons and controls on the screen now look more glass-like, uniform and clean. Also, now this interface can automatically switch between dark and light modes.
Widgets And Live Updates will give a Personal Touch.
Now you can quickly access your favourite apps by adding widgets to CarPlay. Although Apple has not yet given a list of all the supported apps, but it is expected that more apps will be added in the future. Apart from this, Apple Maps has also been updated, which will now suggest routes according to your daily routine and will give information about traffic delays or alternate routes without even asking.
Another new feature is Live Activities, with the help of which you can see real-time updates on the CarPlay screen – like sports scores or where your delivery has reached.
Messages and Calls are Now Even More Driving-Friendly
CarPlay is now making messaging easier as well. Pinned Conversations will show important chats at the top, so that you can stay connected with minimal distraction. Along with this, a feature called “Tapbacks” has also been added in which you can quickly reply with emojis like heart, thumbs up / down or “haha”.
One of the biggest updates is that incoming calls will no longer Block the entire screen , instead, a small pop-up will appear, so that you can tay focused on the map without any distraction.
CarPlay Ultra
Apple has also revealed CarPlay Ultra, which will now bring Apple UI to your vehicle’s gauge cluster (speedometer etc.). Currently this feature is going to come in 2025 Aston Martin models, but in the next 12 months this feature will also be added to brands like Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. But to use this feature and update, you must have an iPhone 12 or newer phone running iOS 18.5 or above.
When and how will you get this update?
iOS 26 is currently available for testing in Apple’s Developer Program and the public beta will come next month. But the final update will be available as a free update to iPhone 11 and newer devices that will support iOS 26.
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