CarPlay gets a big upgrade in iOS 26, and it’s perfect for road trip stops

Abstract

iOS 26 will let customers play movies on their automobile’s most important show whereas it is parked with CarPlay and Airplay video.
Automakers might want to add assist for the function, so it may not be accessible to everybody initially.
Apple just lately launched CarPlay Extremely, its premium CarPlay expertise.

Apple CarPlay makes my lengthy commutes extra bearable. Whereas I recognize the interactivity and comfort of Apple’s in-car interface, I might take pleasure in it much more if it allowed me to play movies whereas my automobile is parked. That dream may lastly be coming true.

First noticed by MacRumors, Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 update will enable customers to forged movies from their iPhone to the middle show of their automobile using CarPlay. That is made attainable by AirPlay video, which Apple states will allow folks to “watch their favourite movies from iPhone proper on their CarPlay show after they aren’t driving.”

Which means that for those who’re an iPhone person with Apple CarPlay, you’ll be able to wirelessly stream no matter you are watching in your cellphone to the principle display in your automobile utilizing AirPlay, identical to once you AirPlay a video to your TV.

For security causes, this function will solely be accessible whereas the automobile is parked, serving to to forestall any situations of distracted driving. Reportedly, the iPhone linked to CarPlay will be capable of detect whether or not the automobile is parked or not.

Associated

4 CarPlay tips that will change your driving life

There’s nothing too advanced about CarPlay, however Apple would not train you the whole lot.

Automakers might want to add assist

Not each automobile with CarPlay could assist this at launch

Apple

Whereas taking part in movies in your automobile utilizing CarPlay and AirPlay sounds interesting, this function will not instantly be accessible to anybody with a CarPlay-capable automobile and an iPhone operating iOS 26.

On Apple’s developer web site, it says, “combine assist for CarPlay with AirPlay video to allow this function in your automobile.” Reportedly, because of this automakers might want to implement assist for CarPlay with AirPlay video of their autos. So, whereas iOS 26 is anticipated to launch this fall, the power to play movies in your automobile may take a bit longer if automakers should assist and implement it. After all, with any function that would distract drivers, automakers are doubtless searching for specific assurances from Apple that it will probably solely be used whereas the automobile is parked.

After all, with the ability to play movies on a automobile’s infotainment system when it is parked is not something new. Many electrical autos enable customers to observe movies or play video games on the automobile’s main display whereas parked. Specifically, Teslas have lengthy supplied the power to observe YouTube movies, Netflix, Hulu, and extra in Tesla’s Theater mode, which may solely be used whereas the automobile is parked.

I can see myself benefiting from AirPlay video with CarPlay whereas taking a break throughout an extended journey and grabbing a chunk to eat.

iOS 26 is at present in developer beta forward of a public beta, and Apple has not shared any extra particulars about AirPlay movies in automobiles but. Because the launch of iOS 26 approaches this fall, there is a good likelihood we’ll study extra about it and the specifics relating to availability. Given the totally different security laws in varied international locations, it is attainable this function might not be accessible worldwide.

I exploit CarPlay in my Hyundai, and it is one in every of my favourite options of all the automobile. It is helpful for navigating to locations, controlling Spotify, and making hands-free calls. I do not assume I might drive a automobile with out CarPlay ever once more; that is how a lot I adore it. I can see myself benefiting from AirPlay video with CarPlay whereas taking a break throughout an extended journey and grabbing a chunk to eat. Hopefully, automakers will be capable of implement it retroactively in older autos, not simply in newer ones.

Apple just lately launched CarPlay Ultra, its premium CarPlay expertise that takes over all of the screens in a automobile, together with instrument gauges. Nonetheless, to date, it is just accessible in new Aston Martins.