Apple recently unveiled new upgrades to standard CarPlay at its 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference, following the introduction of CarPlay Ultra. The update via iOS 26 brings a fresh look and features like Widgets and Live Actions to CarPlay, enhancing user experience.

Apple CarPlay's New Features

The introduction of Widgets and Live Actions are the major functional changes in CarPlay with the iOS 26 update. Widgets, initially available in CarPlay Ultra, can now be accessed in standard CarPlay by swiping right from the home screen. They include weather, calendars, clocks, smart home devices, and reminders, organized into two columns for better organization.

Live Actions, which allow users to view live sports scores, food delivery progress, flight updates, and more on their phone's lock screen, are now integrated into CarPlay. Users can pin these updates on the CarPlay home screen, ensuring real-time updates without the need to check their phone constantly.

Less Intrusive Calls and Messages

iOS 26 addresses the issue of intrusive calls and messages on CarPlay. Incoming calls now appear as small pop-ups with the caller's ID and options to answer or hang up, minimizing screen obstruction. Messages now display default reaction emojis for quick responses, and users can pin important messages or group chats for easy access.

New Look

Both CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra receive a new design language called 'Liquid Glass' in the iOS 26 update. This includes new colors for apps and wallpapers, rounded edges on app icons, updated icons, and a potential dark mode for a refreshed visual experience.