Apple Unveils iOS 26 with Enhanced CarPlay Features

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled iOS 26, spotlighting a major refresh for CarPlay that promises to enhance driver interaction and safety. Central to this update is the introduction of widgets on CarPlay, allowing users to access information and controls directly from their dashboard interface without switching apps.

Messaging on CarPlay also gets smarter with the addition of "tapback" responses, enabling quick, contextually relevant replies to incoming messages. Users can now pin favorite conversations, mirroring the familiar iMessage experience and making communication more accessible while driving.

A notable user interface improvement is the redesigned incoming call screen. Instead of taking over the entire CarPlay display, the call notification now appears as a smaller banner at the bottom of the screen. This subtle change ensures that navigation and other critical information remain visible during calls, reducing driver distraction.

All these updates come wrapped in Apple's new "Liquid Glass" design language, which introduces more transparent and fluid visual elements to CarPlay's interface. This aesthetic refresh is part of the broader CarPlay Ultra experience, launched in May, aiming to deliver a more immersive and intuitive in-car digital environment.

As Apple continues to roll out iOS 26, developers can expect further details and APIs to optimize apps for these new CarPlay capabilities. This evolution not only enhances user convenience but also aligns with broader trends toward safer, more connected driving experiences.