WWDC 2025 revealed a whole new design language for its upcoming iOS 26 operating system for Apple iPhone devices. Along with iOS 26, Apple CarPlay will receive new updates that will enhance its design and make it even easier to use whilst on the move.
Key CarPlay features in iOS 26 include a new compact view for incoming calls that allows users to see who’s calling without missing crucial information like upcoming directions.
iOS 26 also introduces Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages in CarPlay, while widgets and Live Activities enable users to stay connected without losing focus on the road.
All of these updates (an more) will also extend to the recently announced CarPlay Ultra, which will seamlessly integrate the best of iPhone and the car, to provide a unified experience across all displays in the car.
10 New Features Coming to Apple CarPlay in iOS 26
1. Liquid Glass UI
CarPlay will also get the same signature design changes in iOS 26. Apple’s new Liquid Glass design flair is used across CarPlay, including the side dock, app icons, and general app menu UI, whilst existing functions like incoming calls or messages will be less invasive during crucial driving tasks, such as navigation. Even multitouch is coming to CarPlay in iOS 26!!
2. More Visual Customisations
With new visual customisations in iOS 26, this will allow new design changes in CarPlay also, more than simply light and dark modes, delivering an even more personalised experience than before. However, custom wallpapers will no doubt still be a much desired but omitted feature!
3. Massage Tapbacks
iOS 26 will allow Tapbacks to Messages in CarPlay. A small popover window will give quick access to emoji-based emotes to any incoming conversations.
4. Pinned Content
Pinned content, such as conversations in Messages, will help to keep users connected while driving. Favourite contacts will float at the top of an all new update messages app. Tracks or mood playlists could feature at the top of music app, and favourite destinations can be pinned at the top of navigation apps.
5. Widgets
iOS 26 will bring widgets to CarPlay, enabling users to focus on the road whilst allowing access to short functions controls or meta data from any supported app. This will only be accessed in its own screen, which can be accessed by swiping left from the dashboard screen. Three widgets can be displayed here (depending on your car display), and its content can be chosen from an all new widgets section in Settings > General > CarPlay on iPhone.
6. Live Activities
Live Activities in CarPlay will help you stay on top of what’s important to you. From following the latest sport scores to monitoring live flight times or when your coffee order is ready. Live activities only show when they are active on your iPhone and they will display on the lower side tile on the dashboard, or they will float over running full screen apps such as navigation. Live activities can be hidden from view when you go into a focus mode.
7. CarPlay Ultra – Unified Screens
The all new CarPlay Ultra will brings a unified and consistent experience across all the screens in modern compatible cars. Starting with Aston Martin and many more car maker brands will follow with their integrations over the coming months and years.
8. Custom Instrument Cluster
For the first time, CarPlay Ultra will take over your car’s instrument cluster display (and additional screens), whilst also offering a number of instrument display designs and style colour themes.
9. Car System Function Apps
CarPlay Ultra will give the ability to control vehicle functions like radio and climate through the same CarPlay interface in the form of additional apps alongside regular CarPlay apps.
10. Punch-Through UI
Existing functionality will now be even more beautiful within CarPlay Ultra’s new design. Certain car system elements can still be given permission to display through CarPlay Ultra, in what Apple calls Punch-Through UI.
