iOS 26 Brings Major Upgrades to CarPlay: All the New Features Explained

Apple CarPlay Hits 600 Million Daily Uses What’s New in iOS 26, Including CarPlay Ultra

Apple’s CarPlay has officially reached a staggering milestone 600 million daily uses worldwide, according to the company’s latest announcement. What began as a convenient feature for iPhone-owning drivers has rapidly become a core part of the modern in-car experience. CarPlay is now an essential platform for many drivers across the globe — though it’s still notably absent in some newer U.S. vehicles.

As part of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, held in Cupertino, California, the tech giant unveiled iOS 26 — the next major version of its mobile operating system. Alongside it came a showcase of the most significant upgrades ever seen for Apple CarPlay, including a reimagined user interface, new communication tools, real-time widgets, and the debut of CarPlay Ultra, an ambitious new dashboard experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about the evolution of CarPlay with iOS 26.

A Refreshed Visual Experience in iOS 26 CarPlay

One of the most noticeable changes in the new CarPlay is a visually overhauled user interface. Apple has redesigned system-wide icons and elements to better adapt to light and dark modes, creating a seamless transition between daytime and nighttime driving.

This isn’t just about aesthetics. The updated design improves clarity and legibility on in-car displays, allowing drivers to absorb information quickly and without distraction — a key focus in Apple’s ongoing push toward safer, smarter driving tools.

Smarter, Safer Communication Features

Driving and messaging don’t mix — but Apple wants to make staying connected behind the wheel safer and more intuitive. In iOS 26, CarPlay now offers compact call notifications, minimizing screen real estate so that navigation and other critical apps remain visible during a call.

Additionally, Tapbacks — emoji-style reactions to iMessages — have made their way to CarPlay. This small but thoughtful feature lets users acknowledge texts with a quick tap, reducing the need for typing or voice commands. The goal is clear: enable communication without diverting attention from the road.

Pinned conversations are another new addition, letting drivers keep key contacts front and center — ideal for those coordinating plans on the go or keeping in touch with family during long trips.

Introducing Widgets to the Dashboard

Perhaps the most practical addition in iOS 26 is the introduction of CarPlay widgets. These compact, glanceable UI elements are designed to provide live updates on everything from weather conditions and calendar events to real-time travel updates, like a friend’s incoming flight or a restaurant reservation time.

Crucially, these widgets are positioned and designed in such a way that they offer helpful context without becoming distracting. By focusing on micro-interactions and at-a-glance data, Apple is clearly leaning into the trend of ambient information delivery — which has been gaining popularity across wearables and smartphones, and now, vehicles.

CarPlay Ultra A Unified Driving Experience

While standard CarPlay gets a nice polish in iOS 26, the real star of the show is the newly launched CarPlay Ultra — described by Apple as the “ultimate CarPlay experience.”

So what exactly sets CarPlay Ultra apart?

The key difference is that Ultra takes over the entire digital dashboard of the vehicle — including instrument clusters, climate controls, radio, and other system settings — and wraps it all into a single, unified interface designed by Apple.

This integration transforms CarPlay from a standalone infotainment overlay into a full vehicle OS layer, merging your iPhone’s power with your car’s core systems. Users can customize layouts, switch between display styles, and control key functions like temperature or seat warmers without ever leaving the CarPlay ecosystem.

Customization and Control at Your Fingertips

Apple knows that drivers want personalization — and CarPlay Ultra delivers. With the upgraded interface, users can now choose different layouts for the dashboard, rearrange widgets, and even pick from brand-themed designs, depending on the car manufacturer.

Whether it’s a performance-focused display for sports car enthusiasts or a calm, minimalist dashboard for daily commuters, CarPlay Ultra aims to adapt to both the vehicle’s identity and the driver’s preferences.

Supported Vehicles and Future Expansion

The first vehicles to feature CarPlay Ultra are from Aston Martin, with models like the DBX and Vantage already showcasing the new experience. These premium vehicles offer a preview of what a full CarPlay takeover could look like in the luxury segment.

But Apple isn’t stopping there. The company confirmed it’s working with multiple automakers to expand CarPlay Ultra compatibility. Among the next in line is the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis — potentially bringing Ultra to a broader, more affordable vehicle segment.

Each implementation of CarPlay Ultra is customized to reflect the visual identity of the car brand, meaning no two CarPlay Ultra dashboards will look exactly the same. This blend of Apple’s software consistency and automaker individuality may help bridge the divide between tech-first UIs and traditional automotive branding.

When Will iOS 26 and CarPlay Ultra Be Available?

While Apple hasn’t announced a precise public launch date, iOS 26 is expected to roll out this fall, likely in September alongside the next iPhone. A public beta of iOS 26 is scheduled for July, giving early adopters a chance to preview the new CarPlay experience ahead of its official release.

CarPlay Ultra will arrive later on select vehicles, depending on the timeline of Apple’s partnerships with automakers. As with previous major CarPlay rollouts, it will likely take months or even years before it becomes widespread.

Final Thoughts CarPlay as a Cornerstone of the Apple Ecosystem

Apple’s investment in CarPlay reflects the company’s broader strategy: integrating iOS deeper into everyday experiences — whether that’s on your wrist, in your home, or now, embedded into the heart of your car.

With 600 million daily uses, Apple CarPlay is no longer a luxury or a niche product. It’s a core utility for drivers, and the latest updates in iOS 26 push it even further toward becoming the standard for in-car digital experiences.

Whether you’re a fan of its sleek design, rely on it for seamless communication, or are eager to test the limits of CarPlay Ultra’s capabilities, it’s clear that Apple is steering CarPlay into the future — one update at a time.

Conclusion

CarPlay’s Road Ahead Looks Smarter, Safer, and More Seamless

With iOS 26, Apple is not just updating CarPlay — it’s redefining what in-car technology can be. From a sleeker, more adaptive interface to safer ways to communicate and stay informed, these upgrades make CarPlay a more intelligent companion for drivers. And with the introduction of CarPlay Ultra, Apple is signaling a bold vision: a future where your car’s dashboard is just as intuitive and personalized as your iPhone.

As more automakers come onboard and millions of drivers interact with CarPlay daily, Apple’s automotive ambitions are becoming impossible to ignore. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, CarPlay’s new features are designed to keep you connected, focused, and in control — all without compromising safety or style.