This year Apple not only brings new functions to CarPlay, the operating system also gets a lot more backgrounds. These are them!
CarPlay in iOS 26
New functions for CarPlay are coming! With iOS 26, Apple not only brings improvements to the iPhone, CarPlay is also expanded with more features. That’s not all, because CarPlay also gets a lot more backgrounds. In the latest software version, the operating system for the car is expanded with no fewer than twelve new wallpapers. These backgrounds match the renewed design of iOS 26.
One of the most important changes in iOS 26 is the new interface. Apple introduces Liquid Glass, which makes many elements appear transparent and made of glass. We also see this new design in CarPlay, so the menu bar is adjusted and almost all Apple apps get a new layout. This design naturally also includes new backgrounds, of which no fewer than twelve come to CarPlay. These are them:
More Backgrounds
With iOS 26, CarPlay gets many more backgrounds that match the new design of the operating system. The new wallpapers are more than welcome, because even in iOS 26 it is still not possible to set your own image as a background. That means that you are dependent on the background that Apple makes available in CarPlay. Due to the new wallpapers you have a little more choice from iOS 26 when personalizing the operating system for the car.
Unfortunately, in iOS 26, Apple also says goodbye to a number of backgrounds at CarPlay. All wallpapers from iOS 18 are removed as soon as you install the latest software version. These backgrounds are no longer available in iOS 26, instead, Apple introduces the wallpapers that match the new Liquid Glass. Similar backgrounds are available on the iPhone and iPad, so that all devices match.
Release of iOS 26
In addition to the new backgrounds, CarPlay gets many new functions in iOS 26. The operating system receives support for AirPlay, making it possible for the first time to play videos on the screen of your car. This is only possible if the car is parked to prevent the driver from becoming distracted while driving. In addition, you can add widgets to CarPlay for the first time in iOS 26.
Other improvements are support for live activities, a more compact display for telephone calls and quick responses to messages. These new functions will come to CarPlay in September, because iOS 26 is released that month. That is also the moment that the twelve new backgrounds are available in CarPlay. Do you want to know when you can install iOS 26? Read more about the expected release of iOS 26 here!
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