Apple is working on a big change for CarPlay, as a long-awaited feature comes to the operating system. This is going to change!
New feature for CarPlay
A big change is coming to CarPlay! Apple has released the first test version of iOS 26.4 and with this software lays the foundation for a new CarPlay function. It will be possible for the first time to play videos with CarPlay. That’s a striking new feature, because Apple has never allowed this before. This will soon change, allowing you to play videos on the screen in your car for the first time.
It has been clear for some time that Apple is working on this major change for CarPlay. The new feature was announced a while ago, but was not immediately available with the release of iOS 26. CarPlay did get other new features, such as the operating system has a new interface and support for widgets. Thanks to iOS 26.4 beta 1, we know that another function will be added, because you will finally be able to watch videos in CarPlay.
Not while driving
In the first test version of iOS 26.4, a code was found that refers to Apple TV in CarPlay. That means a big change, because Apple TV does not yet work in CarPlay. It will soon be possible to play series or films from Apple TV in CarPlay. Apple does impose one condition: you can only watch videos when the car is parked. So you cannot play series or films while driving.
This can also be seen in the code in iOS 26.4, which requires the user’s location before launching Apple TV. Videos in CarPlay are probably blocked as soon as the iPhone changes location. Videos can only be played when stationary, to prevent distraction while driving. This way you can watch your favorite series or movie when you take a break while driving. The function is also useful when charging electric cars, during charging breaks you can play videos in CarPlay.
Release still unknown
It’s clear that this is a big change for CarPlay, finally allowing you to play videos on your car’s screen. However, much is still unknown about the new function, for example, Apple has not yet announced how content will be streamed. If CarPlay supports AirPlay, you can stream all videos via your iPhone to the screen in your car, but Apple can also choose to only play videos via applications in CarPlay.
In that case, companies such as YouTube and Netflix must develop a new app that meets the requirements for CarPlay. In addition, car manufacturers must give permission for the new function, so it may differ per car brand whether you will soon be able to watch videos in CarPlay. It is still unclear when the change will come to CarPlay, there is a good chance that the function will only be available after iOS 26.4. Don’t want to miss any of that? Then sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter!
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