Apple has announced a major update for CarPlay! CarPlay will be completely different in 2025, through a new design. That’s how it looks.
CarPlay with iOS 26
At the WWDC 2025, Apple presented the largest software updates of 2025! Almost all operating systems will receive a new interface this year, so iOS, iPados, macOS, Watchos, TVOS and Visionos look the same for the first time. With this new design, Apple has created more unity between the different software versions. That also applies to CarPlay, because Apple has announced a new design for the operating system.
With the arrival of iOS 26, CarPlay will also get a new design. The sidebar of the operating system receives the elements of Liquid Glass, which we also see in iOS 26 and the other software versions. This bar is transparent and has rounded corners. This also applies to the widgets, which are available for the first time with iOS 26 in CarPlay. You can also make applications transparent. This way you can set up the operating system more according to your personal preference. Curious about the new version of CarPlay? It looks like this:
More new functions
The new design with widgets are not the only changes that come to CarPlay this year. Apple has announced new functions, which are available at CarPlay from iOS 26. Incoming conversations are given a more compact representation, so that the route description remains visible in the picture. Responding to messages is also easier, because in CarPlay you can post quick comments in the form of emoji on messages.
The Message app for CarPlay will get a handy feature in iOS 26, because you can fix conversations for the first time. For example, it is possible to pin the most important or most used chats so that you have found them quickly. All applications take over the new design from CarPlay. That means that after installing iOS 26 you can expect more transparent frameworks and glass elements.
Widgets and live activities
Another important change in CarPlay’s design is the introduction of widgets and live activities. You can finally add widgets, so that you get faster access to certain applications or functions. Think of the agenda, home and card app. Which widgets you add and where you place it can be determined yourself. That way you get much more freedom when classifying CarPlay.
With live activities, CarPlay reflects events that are taking place at that time. This way you follow the score of a sports competition Live, you see current flight information or an ongoing timer is portrayed. This happens in addition to your existing widgets, to prevent important information from disappearing during live activities. We also see the design of live activities on the iPhone and iPad in CarPlay.
Release of iOS 26
It is striking that Apple provides the first generation of CarPlay with a new design, because the company announced CarPlay Ultra not so long ago. That is the more advanced version of CarPlay, which takes over almost all screens from a car. This way you can also see and operate the radio, temperature control and data of the car in CarPlay Ultra. The new generation of CarPlay gets the same design as the current version, but the interface can differ per car brand.
The new design and all new functions will come to all cars with CarPlay later this year. Apple will probably release iOS 26 in September, when the iPhone 17 series is presented. To use the renewed version of CarPlay, your iPhone must first be updated to iOS 26. Unfortunately, not all devices receive support for the next software version. Do you want to know if your iPhone works with the largest software update in years? Then read here which iPhones iOS 26 get!
Download the iPhoned app
