Apple’s CarPlay continues to evolve, enhancing the way drivers interact with their iPhones while on the road. With the impending release of iOS 26, users can expect several new features designed to improve safety and convenience. These updates not only make driving more enjoyable but also aim to minimize distractions, a critical aspect for modern motorists.
Enhanced Navigation with Multitouch Gestures
One of the standout features of CarPlay in 2026 is the introduction of multitouch interactions for navigation apps. According to Olivia Hess, an Apple software engineer, drivers will soon be able to use familiar gestures such as pinch and zoom to manipulate their navigation screens. This improvement aligns with the intuitive controls users have come to appreciate on their iPhones and iPads, making the driving experience significantly safer and more user-friendly.
CarPlay provides access to both native and third-party navigation applications, ensuring that drivers have reliable guidance without the distractions often associated with built-in car systems. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that CarPlay is less distracting than many traditional infotainment systems, underscoring its role in promoting safer driving habits.
Customizable Widgets for Reduced Distractions
The update to iOS 26 also introduces a revamped widget structure for CarPlay, allowing users to customize their home screens with multiple widgets. This innovation takes advantage of larger infotainment screens found in newer vehicles. By displaying information such as Dynamic Lyrics from streaming services, calendar events, tasks, weather, and photos simultaneously, CarPlay enables drivers to access essential information without switching between different apps.
The ability to customize widgets means users can tailor their CarPlay experience to suit their needs. For instance, drivers can control their home lighting directly from the CarPlay screen, providing greater convenience and reducing the need for voice commands, which can sometimes be less precise.
Siri’s Contextual Suggestions Enhance Driving
Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, will become even more integral to the driving experience with the upcoming updates. Siri’s contextual suggestion feature will offer timely recommendations based on user habits and location. For example, if a driver passes a favorite coffee shop, Siri might prompt them to stop for a coffee, requiring no additional input.
This enhancement aims to streamline interactions while driving, allowing for a more natural and less disruptive experience. The anticipated introduction of LLM Siri in 2026 promises to further bolster Siri’s capabilities, making it an even more effective driving companion.
Visual Customization with ‘Liquid Glass’
In addition to functional updates, Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface offers users the option to customize the visual appearance of CarPlay. This cosmetic upgrade aims to declutter the interface, reducing the impact of notifications and enhancing overall aesthetics. While primarily a visual enhancement, it allows users to select themes that match their preferences, contributing to a more personalized experience.
Though the Liquid Glass interface is optional, it reflects Apple’s commitment to providing users with choices that improve usability and satisfaction. Users can still choose traditional dark and default modes, ensuring that personalization remains flexible.
As Apple continues to innovate with CarPlay, drivers in 2026 will enjoy enhanced navigation, better widget functionality, improved voice assistance, and greater customization options. These features collectively aim to create a safer, more intuitive driving environment, reaffirming CarPlay’s position as a leading in-car smartphone integration solution.
