5 helpful iOS 26 CarPlay options which have me excited to make use of the platform once more

Whereas many of the dialog surrounding Apple’s latest update, iOS 26, revolves across the telephones in our pockets, I am extra enthusiastic about the way it impacts my automotive’s display — and boy, do I’ve to say that I am impressed. For a very long time, I have been within the camp that Android Auto was nearly as good because it acquired relating to automotive infotainment, and whereas it hasn’t been sufficient to make me change to an Android gadget, it did go away me wanting extra by way of how effectively my telephone and automotive labored collectively.

It is evident, although, that the individuals at Apple have been listening to the rising variety of wished options concerning CarPlay’s subsequent steps — and even when Apple hasn’t applied every part I believe needs to be commonplace on CarPlay, this newest replace is simply sufficient. It presents a extra seamless look, higher usability, and elevated customization. These 5 new options present me that Apple actually is listening to its clients and desires to make CarPlay a greater infotainment platform.

You need to use most of your native widgets seamlessly

Widgets is perhaps the best factor that Apple has ever launched on the iPhone, and I have been an enormous fan of them since their launch. As somebody who likes to peruse information feeds all through the day, the revolving carousels of knowledge my widgets offer up is at all times contemporary and useful, and now your automotive can present the identical help. As an illustration, if you happen to’re driving someplace on a visit by your self, the climate widget can offer you precise knowledge on temperature, warmth index, and extra, with out requiring you to drag out your telephone.

Even handier, although, is the brand new capacity to combine my Outlook calendar into my automotive’s show. It permits me to take a fast look at my day earlier than I go away the automotive every morning, and it is an ideal reminder once I’m performed that there isn’t any extra work to be performed on that day. Extra inventive widget choices embody the redesigned Images app and social media platforms, permitting you to remain updated on notifications. The perfect half, although? For those who personal a more moderen car with a big display, you’ll be able to show a number of widgets without delay. The small display in my Volkswagen is a bit missing in that regard, however hopefully, on my subsequent car improve we’ll have the ability to expertise that.

Cellphone calls at the moment are simpler

No extra dropping your approach when the household dials in

In earlier iterations of CarPlay, nothing may smash your easy-going road trip vibes like an premature telephone name. The notification alone would take up your total display and interrupt any route you have been following, and good luck when you’ve got a flip developing, too. With iOS 26, name notifications are displayed solely throughout the decrease portion of the display, permitting your steerage programs to proceed planning the route and also you to proceed following it, all whereas getting that workweek debrief session in.

The decision notifications (together with the apps, extra on that in a second) additionally obtain the same liquid glass treatment, which provides CarPlay a way more cohesive really feel. Nevertheless, there is a technique to revert CarPlay again to its outdated self and outdated look with the contact of only one button within the settings menu that’s supplied in your sprint. You simply must entry it via the automotive’s infotainment system somewhat than by yourself gadget.

App icons are extra customizable than ever

I will by no means give up on you, darkish mode

Once I say that apps can now be custom-made, I actually imply it. I am a dark mode 24/7 kind of particular person (I identical to the look higher than the brighter different). Nevertheless, with the outdated CarPlay setup, you could not customise your apps until you probably did so in a roundabout approach that Apple would most undoubtedly not approve of. Now, although, all your CarPlay apps can match the look of those in your iPhone itself, whether or not that is with the brand new clear look setting, darkish mode, or the default CarPlay icon show.

For those who observed already that my photographed apps look a bit totally different from yours, that is the precise purpose why. For those who’re seeking to make yours equivalent, merely head into the settings in your CarPlay-activated gadget and edit/customise app appearances. It is as straightforward as 1-2-3 and places little to no pressure on my eyes whereas driving, which, if you happen to’re as nearsighted as I’m, is sort of a aid. I am hoping that it’s going to relieve a migraine or two within the course of, however which may simply be wishful considering. There’s just one technique to discover out, and in addition to that, darkish mode seems to be approach cooler anyhow.

Customers can react to messages now

No have to postpone that necessary work textual content anymore

Pay no thoughts to the truth that I’ve 45 unread textual content messages (you need to see my e-mail), however as a substitute, know that iOS 26-equipped CarPlay customers can now react to messages with only one faucet and a voice command with out ever selecting up their telephone. There isn’t any purpose to fret about lacking a piece textual content anymore or considering you’ve got ruined somebody’s day by studying and never responding.

As an alternative, CarPlay will will let you select a response to any textual content you simply acquired with one faucet and a voice command. The “like” response would possibly carry with it some adverse connotations these days, nevertheless it serves a useful objective of claiming “I learn this, however I am unable to reply proper now,” and bringing that capacity right into a automotive is extraordinarily useful regardless of who you might be or what you do.

Apple Maps acquired a usability overhaul

I used to run Google Maps on Apple CarPlay, however not anymore

I saved this one for final, because it’s solely suitable with sure automobiles, but when your automotive already has zoom options enabled by itself infotainment system, now you can pinch and pull to zoom in or out in CarPlay. That is particularly useful if you happen to’re in a big metropolis heart with a number of flip choices forward. Now, you’ll be able to zoom out in your route sufficient to see what’s forward, however not to this point out that you do not ever suppose you may arrive.

This function may have been extremely useful on a current seaside fishing journey I took, the place, upon arrival within the city we have been fishing out of, I missed at least three turns en route to satisfy our captain.

All of CarPlay’s new options work collectively seamlessly, due to iOS 26 being effectively beta-tested. With these enhancements, Apple has lastly closed the hole to its greatest competitor in in-car leisure. Certain, we’re nonetheless lacking the flexibility to make photographs into CarPlay wallpapers, however with the way in which it seems to be now, I would not be shocked if that capacity is available in an replace quickly. Talking of options quickly to return, on some fashions of infotainment programs, CarPlay will now will let you AirPlay movies within the widgets tab. Lastly, you’ll be able to legally use your infotainment display as a tiny film associate, as long as you are parked, in fact.