...
...
Next Story

Apple CarPlay gets its smartest upgrade yet with iOS 26

iOS 26 brings advanced features to Apple CarPlay like compact call banners, tapback messaging and more for fewer distractions while driving.

Published on: Jun 12, 2025 02:20 PM IST

WWDC 2025 is all the talk of the tech world these days, with Apple unveiling sweeping changes across its device ecosystem. While much of the buzz surrounds iOS 26, macOS upgrades, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a significant yet quieter transformation is coming to Apple CarPlay, and it deserves just as much spotlight.

iOS 26 introduces 6 significant upgrades to Apple CarPlay to enhance driver safety and convenience.
iOS 26 introduces 6 significant upgrades to Apple CarPlay to enhance driver safety and convenience.
By Aishwarya Faraswal

Aishwarya is your go-to guide for turning your home, especially your kitchen, into the smartest and most efficient space on the block. If you ever find yourself wondering which air fryer actually delivers that perfect crisp, whether a new-age water purifier is worth the hype, or how to make your refrigerator work smarter (not harder), she’s the one to turn to. For over five years, Aishwarya has dived deep into the world of home and kitchen tech, reviewing everything from air fryers and microwaves to chimneys and water purifiers. Her approach is simple: cut the jargon, highlight genuine innovation, and spotlight budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality. Her column is where fresh launches meet honest opinions. There is no sugarcoating and no fancy marketing spin. Every review comes from real, hands-on experience, giving readers the unfiltered truth, good or bad (sometimes brutal). A big believer in viral “how-to” hacks, Aishwarya loves sharing appliance hacks like microwave-cleaning tricks that involve a lemon and absolutely zero scrubbing, fridge-care tips (when sometimes all you need to do is defrost) that save you trouble, and everything in between. She tries her best for home tech to feel less overwhelming and a whole lot more fun.

Read moreRead less

With iOS 26, Apple is redefining the in-car experience through a refined visual identity and intelligent feature upgrades. The CarPlay update introduces a striking new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, smarter notifications, real-time widgets and advanced communication tools. These features are designed to deliver a more seamless and distraction-free driving experience.

Liquid Glass design

Inspired by Apple’s new aesthetic across iOS 26, the new ‘Liquid Glass’ design brings a modern, almost holographic vibe to your dashboard. This interface features translucent elements, adaptive lighting and smoother UI transitions that make it feel more in sync with the dashboard.

Compact call banners

One of the most practical updates is the compact incoming call notifications. Unlike the current version, which overtakes the entire screen, iOS 26 brings a pop-up banner-style alert that lets drivers see who’s calling while still keeping the map or media interface in view. This minimises distractions and keeps driver’s safety in check, especially when navigating busy roads.

Tapback messaging

Apple CarPlay now supports Tapbacks, emoji-style quick reactions that let users respond to messages with a simple tap. The system also mirrors your pinned conversations from iPhone, making it easier to access important threads without scrolling. In addition, messages can still be read aloud via Siri, ensuring the driver’s eyes stay on the road.

Widget support

Just like your iPhone, CarPlay also introduces widget support. This allows users to view real-time data like calendar events, music controls, weather updates and even live flight trackers without switching screens. Widgets can now appear alongside active apps like Maps to provide information without disrupting the main interface.

Call management tools: Hold Assist and Call Screening

Hold Assist detects when you're on hold and offers to hold your place in line, freeing you up while CarPlay waits for the other side to respond. On the other hand, Call Screening builds on Apple’s Live Voicemail, displaying caller context so drivers can decide if they need to answer or ignore the call. This feature comes in handy especially when dealing with spam or unknown numbers.

Apple iOS 26 has also introduced a new side navigation bar for quicker access to your most-used apps, reducing the need to swipe through multiple screens. While the widget panel and Liquid Glass design modernise the experience, customisation options help users tailor their display screen as per their convenience.

The updated version of Apple CarPlay will be available later this year as part of the iOS 26 update which is aimed at bringing iPhone-level intelligence to the dashboard.

 
Home/Technology/Apple CarPlay gets its smartest upgrade yet with iOS 26
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON