With iOS 26, not only new functions are coming to the iPhone, CarPlay is also expanded with more features. These are them!
CarPlay in iOS 26
Apple will present iOS 26 soon! It is a major update, because Apple is working on a new interface for the operating system. With iOS 26 not only major changes come to the iPhone, CarPlay also gets functions. It is expected that CarPlay will get a new design, just like iOS 26. In addition, Apple brings a number of useful improvements to the operating system. These are them!
1. New interface
It has been clear for some time that Apple is working on a new design for iOS 26. We see this renewed design at all other operating systems of the company. That means that iPados 26, MacOS 26, Watchos 26, TVOS 26, Visionos 26 and CarPlay also get a completely new design. CarPlay takes over many elements from Visionos, that is the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro.
In Visionos, Apple works much more with transparent frameworks and glass elements, which we will also be back in iOS 26 and CarPlay. With the new design, Apple creates more unity between all software versions, making it easier for users to operate the software. Are you curious about the design of iOS 26? View the first preview of the update here!
2. Larger text
CarPlay becomes more accessible from iOS 26, because it is possible to adjust the text size after installing the update. You can then enlarge the text to improve the readability of CarPlay. This is a big advantage, especially if you have to look on CarPlay’s screen just as quickly while driving. The larger text ensures that you can read CarPlay faster and easier.
3. Sound recognition
With iOS 26, Apple is expanding the sound recognition of CarPlay. The operating system already has sound recognition, with which sirens and other sounds are registered. After recognizing these sounds, CarPlay gives a notification, describing the ambient noise. A new sound is added with iOS 26, because the software can also recognize crying babies in the car.
Is a crying baby registered in the car? Then you see a report in CarPlay from iOS 26. It is usually recommended to place children in the back of the car. The driver of the car does not have the best view there, making the new function a handy extension of CarPlay.
Release of iOS 26
We don’t have to wait long for iOS 26, because Apple reveals the update Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. Dutch time. That evening we know which features come to CarPlay with iOS 26. Apple only releases the final version of iOS 26 in September, when the iPhone 17 series appears. That month you can get started with the new carplay features.
In the meantime, Apple is also working on the release of CarPlay Ultra, the new generation of the operating system. CarPlay Ultra is already available in the first cars in the United States and Canada. Later this year the update will be released worldwide, but not all car brands support CarPlay Ultra. View here which cars do work with the new generation of CarPlay. Do you not want to miss any announcement from Apple? Then register for our newsletter, so that you will always stay informed!
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