Apple CarPlay Gets New Look, Enhanced Functionality Via iOS 26

Apple CarPlay gains an all-new look with increased functionality plus higher customisation via latest iOS 26.

As expected, following the initial release of a new and higher-end ‘Apple CarPlay Ultra’ suite recently, an enhanced and more immersive rendition of the regular ‘Apple CarPlay’ suite was expected. And that’s exactly what the tech giants did with its latest iOS 26 build.

Rolling out by fall this year for the firm’s signature iPhone and iPad devices, the new Apple iOS 26 operating system brings with it an all new and enhanced Apple CarPlay suite, complete with an all-new look, enhanced functionality, and even higher customisation and immersion.

All-new look of iOS 26, called 'Liquid Glass Design', will extend into Apple CarPlay too, featuring glossy transluscent elements to its apps, background and border.

Called ‘Liquid Glass Design’, the new look of the iPhone’s interface will extend into CarPlay. The latter brings visual updates to the apps, background and border, all now polished to feature glossy translucent elements that give it that ‘all-new’ look.

 New too is the Compact View for calls, which brings a smaller call bar at the base of the screen. This now allows continued use of the Maps or other functions whilst on call. Presently, call on the current CarPlay version annoyingly take over the entire screen.

Next, iPhone users can now quickly end a text thread with a simple thumbs-up Tapback response to the previous text message in CarPlay. For this, a projection will pop-up on screen displaying the same thumbs up, heart and exclamation mark responses.

Other key new additions include Tapback text message responses, Compact View for calls, as well as Live Activities on Maps.

Also new and tricking down from Apple CarPlay Ultra is the new customisable widgets, which enable users to select and set quick one-touch access to selected apps.

Live Activities on Maps is now accessible via CarPlay too. For instance, let’s say you have Maps active whilst on your way to fetch your spouse from the airport, but you also want to keep track of their incoming flight.

Live Activities lets you do that now through Maps via CarPlay, where it projects on-screen alongside. In turn, this lets you keep track of activities as they happen too.

If you liked the Widget function seen in Apple CarPlay Ultra, you’ll be glad to know that this function has trickled down to this new ‘regular’ new Apple CarPlay version. Through which, users can add adjustable widgets to their homescreen for one-click access.

Apple also confirmed more carmakers will soon see Apple CarPlay Ultra available in their models. Included here are Ford, Hyundai, Kia, as well as Volvo.

Speaking of Apple CarPlay Ultra, more automakers will soon make this highly immersive version of its automotive-focused display suite available. It include the likes of Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Volvo, and all are set to see the suite arrive in their models over the coming months.

As a refresher, Apple CarPlay Ultra, which was revealed last month and available only in Aston Martin products for now, sees a complete takeover of all in-car screen – instrument panel included – for an even more immersive experience.