Apple’s CarPlay continues to evolve, offering drivers a safer and more interactive way to engage with their iPhones while on the road. With the upcoming launch of iOS 26, users can look forward to enhanced features that are designed to minimize distractions and improve usability. Here are four key features that drivers should consider utilizing in 2026.
Enhanced Navigation Interactions
One of the standout benefits of CarPlay is its integration with native and third-party navigation apps. Unlike traditional built-in car systems, which often lack internet connectivity, CarPlay allows drivers to access real-time navigation updates directly on their vehicle’s dashboard. A significant addition in iOS 26 is the support for multitouch interactions in CarPlay-enabled vehicles. As noted by Olivia Hess, an Apple software engineer, during the WWDC 2025 presentation, drivers will now be able to interact with their navigation apps using familiar gestures such as pinch and zoom. This feature aims to create a safer and more intuitive user experience, mirroring the functionality iPhone users have come to expect.
Improved Widget Functionality
Apple has revamped its widget system within CarPlay, allowing for a more customizable and informative dashboard. The latest updates take advantage of larger infotainment screens, enabling users to display multiple widgets simultaneously. This feature helps reduce the need to navigate through various screens, ultimately minimizing distractions while driving. The CarPlay homescreen can now show real-time details like Dynamic Lyrics from Apple Music or Spotify, Calendar events, Weather updates, and even Photos. Users can tailor their widget layout to suit their preferences, enhancing the overall functionality of the system.
In addition, widgets now provide specific functionalities that go beyond what Siri can offer. For instance, drivers can control smart home devices, like turning off lights, directly from the CarPlay interface. This integration not only streamlines user interactions but also makes the driving experience more convenient.
Siri’s Contextual Suggestions
Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, is receiving enhancements that aim to provide contextual suggestions based on users’ habits and locations. For example, if a driver is near their favorite coffee shop, Siri might recommend stopping for a coffee, all without requiring any manual input. These advancements are part of the broader improvements expected with the introduction of “LLM Siri” in 2026, which promises to offer even more personalized assistance to users.
Moreover, Siri’s improved voice recognition capabilities enable drivers to send messages, schedule calendar events, and perform other tasks using complex commands. This change reduces the reliance on manual input, making it safer to communicate while driving.
Introducing the Liquid Glass Interface
A notable cosmetic upgrade in CarPlay is the introduction of the “Liquid Glass” interface. This optional design aims to offer Apple users greater customization options for their CarPlay experience. While primarily an aesthetic enhancement, the Liquid Glass interface provides a more polished and less cluttered visual experience. It is designed to minimize the impact of notifications and distractions, allowing for a cleaner look while maintaining essential functionality. This upgrade reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience without compromising safety.
As CarPlay continues to evolve, these features are set to make the driving experience more intuitive and less distracting. By leveraging the power of iOS 26, Apple is reinforcing its position in the automotive space, setting a new standard for smartphone integration in vehicles.
