News

Apple Drives Into the Future: iOS 26 Brings Major CarPlay Redesign and Smart Features

Apple is set to roll out a major update this fall with the release of iOS 26, promising a host of improvements for iPhone and iPad users. But for those who spend significant time behind the wheel, the real game-changer lies in the revamped Apple CarPlay.

The update introduces a refined design and expanded functionality aimed at modernizing and streamlining the in-car digital experience. With iOS 26, Apple is giving CarPlay a much-needed facelift, bringing it in line with the company’s evolving aesthetic and usability standards.

At the heart of the redesign is a new “liquid glass” interface that will debut on the iPhone and extend to CarPlay. This visual overhaul adds a modern, glossy touch to apps, backgrounds, and bezels, featuring translucent and reflective elements for a more elegant and immersive feel.

One of the more practical changes addresses a long-standing annoyance: the full-screen takeover during phone calls. iOS 26 introduces a compact call bar that appears at the bottom of the screen, allowing users to continue navigating or using other CarPlay apps without interruption. This small yet impactful change is expected to significantly improve usability while driving.

Apple is also bringing familiar messaging features to the road. With the new update, users will be able to respond to messages using Tapbacks — the quick emoji reactions like thumbs up, heart, and exclamation points — directly from the CarPlay screen. This marks a step forward in making communication faster and safer while driving.

Previously reserved for high-end vehicles with CarPlay Ultra, customizable widgets are now available to all CarPlay users. Drivers can personalize their CarPlay home screen with quick-access tiles for calendar events, smart home controls, and more — all with a single tap.

While CarPlay Ultra remains a premium tier, its features are expanding across more vehicles. Aston Martin drivers currently enjoy the full CarPlay Ultra experience, which integrates Apple features into every screen in the vehicle, including the instrument cluster. Other automakers like Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Volvo are expected to follow suit soon.

As Apple continues to blend form and function, iOS 26 is shaping up to be more than just a routine update. It’s a bold step towards a more connected, convenient, and visually polished in-car experience — one that reflects Apple’s ongoing ambition to dominate not only the pocket but also the dashboard.

Source: Apple

Gallery:

Apple Drives Into the Future: iOS 26 Brings Major CarPlay Redesign and Smart Features
News

BYD builds a network of ultra-fast charging stations in Europe

One of the biggest reasons why electric cars are not as popular as expected is the small number of charging stations. However, BYD has a plan to change that as it intends to build a network of ultra-fast charging stations in Europe.

The Vice President of BYD, Stella Li, recalled that one of the largest car manufacturers in the world recently unveiled a new platform with a charging power of 1,000 kW, which will allow its cars to travel 400 km after a 5-minute charge. It is a completely new level in the world of EVs and one of the steps that could make electric vehicles more attractive to customers.

The lack of ultra-fast charging stations in Europe is an obstacle for Chinese manufacturers whose cars are far ahead of the rest of the world. Li also noted that the ultra-fast stations will improve the charging speed of existing batteries, reducing charging time by 20 to 30%, which could have a big impact on increasing the popularity of EVs. The plan is to launch a charging network in Europe within the next 12 months, with some stations located at dealerships, and talks are underway with other entities as well.

BYD aims to become a major player in Europe within the next five years, and the first steps towards achieving this goal have already been taken. This year, a production facility in Hungary will start operating, along with a research and development center and the company’s European headquarters, which will be in Budapest. “We will produce in Europe to sell in Europe. We are committed to the long term and we are here to stay,” said Stella Li.

Source: Reuters

News

Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is the fastest production EV

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most famous track in the world and a place where many manufacturers test the ultimate limits of their cars’ performance. Last year, Xiaomi did the same with the SU7 prototype, which covered the 20.8 km long track in just 6 minutes and 46.8 seconds, which was a surprise to many. Now, it has sent the racing version of the SU7 Ultra to the same place to push the limit.

Xiaomi posted a video on its YouTube channel showing the production SU7 Ultra trying to achieve the fastest lap time, but without success. Its lap time of 7 minutes and 4.95 seconds is excellent compared to the competition, but far behind the prototype. However, it was faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (7 minutes and 7.55 seconds) and the Rimac Never (7 minutes and 5.29 seconds).

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is powered by three electric motors with a total output of 1,548 hp (1,154 kW), which is enough to push the 1,900 kg car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 1.97 seconds, 200 km/h in 5.97 seconds and 300 km/h in 15 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The video shows the car reaching a GPS-verified speed of 346 km/h, making it the fastest production sedan ever, dethroning the Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima with a top speed of 334 km/h.

The car used on the track was not the standard version of this model. Xiaomi equipped the SU7 Ultra with an optional track package that is also available to buyers, which does not disqualify the car from the production model category.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is already on sale in China, starting at 529,900 yuan (~€65,000)—an astonishing value for a car with hypercar performance.

When it comes to the fastest time among production cars, the record holder is the Mercedes-AMG One, which last year completed the lap in 6 minutes and 29 seconds. However, the absolute record holder of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo with a lap time of 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds.

Source: Xiaomi via YouTube

Cars and catalogues