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
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