Since iOS 26, it has been possible to personalize the app symbols in CarPlay, a long-awaited feature that gives the screen in your car a new look. Thanks to the new Liquid Glass design, the icons now better match Apple’s transparent style, with the choice of standard, dark or light views.
This change makes CarPlay not only more aesthetic, but also more functional: the dark mode reduces glare at night, while the light variants improve readability. Below we explain how you can adjust the app symbols.
Adjust app symbols in CarPlay
- Connect your iPhone to CarPlay and start the system
- Open the Settings app on the CarPlay screen
- Tap ‘Custom symbols‘
- Select Standard, Dark or Bright
- If necessary, choose one for ‘Automatic‘
- Close Settings; the change applies immediately to all apps
With some settings you can choose to switch automatically or always. This way you can automatically activate dark app symbols in a dark environment.
Customizing the app icons is unique to CarPlay and does not automatically sync with your iPhone home screen. Test it out on a ride to find the best option for day and night.
Available styles
In CarPlay you have three options for app icons: Standard, Dark and Bright.
- Standard: The familiar icons as always, without changes.
- Dark: Dark versions of the symbols, ideal for night driving; choose ‘Automatic‘ for switching in headlights or dark surroundings.
- Bright: Transparent Liquid Glass style with sub-choices ‘Light’ (very transparent), ‘Dark’ (frosted glass-like, easier to read) or ‘Automatic’.