Your Apple CarPlay is getting a major update: 3 helpful features coming with iOS 26

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) happened last week, and the tech giant announced several new updates to iOS 26, including upgrades for Apple CarPlay users.

Also: How to install iOS 26 beta on your iPhone (and which models support it)

While you’ll have to enroll in the developer beta to get early access, here’s a quick overview of all the new features you can expect in Apple CarPlay by this fall.

1. New CarPlay design

Along with the redesign of iOS 26, CarPlay is following suit with a new look. The new design extends into the car for a consistent, expressive experience while you drive. This includes icons that look great in light or dark mode, and a more compact design for notifications so you can still see the directions clearly on your screen.

2. Widgets

Widgets will now be available to view in CarPlay for a quick way to get information like the weather, reminders, smart home information, and more. Plus, you can see live activities on your CarPlay screen as well, such as the status of a friend’s flight while you’re on your way to the airport to pick them up. 

3. Apple CarPlay Ultra expansion

Last month, Apple debuted Apple CarPlay Ultra, which expands CarPlay capabilities to both your car’s touchscreen and dashboard. “It builds on the capabilities of CarPlay and provides the ultimate in-car experience by deeply integrating with the vehicle to deliver the best of iPhone and the best of the car,” Apple said in a news release.

Also: Every iPhone model compatible with Apple’s iOS 26 (and which ones aren’t)

For now, the technology is only available in new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the US and Canada, but last week’s WWDC announcement confirmed that Apple is working with other carmakers for wider expansion. According to Top Gear, other carmakers like Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and Volvo are already working to add CarPlay Ultra into their models.

Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.

Improve your home’s air quality with the LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home! With a 4.7/5-star rating from 29,617 reviews and over 7,000 units sold in the past month, it’s a top choice for cleaner air at just $69.99.

Perfect for anyone looking to eliminate allergens, odors, and more. Buy Now on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!