Apple yesterday announced the latest upgrade for its iPhone operating software and it will bring several changes and new features for drivers who use Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring in their vehicles.
MacRumors reports the iOS 26 software update will bring a new ‘Liquid Glass’ design that will be supported by an updated CarPlay system, both of which will be released later this year.
The iOS 26 software platform is now available for beta testing by developers and will be open for public beta testing next month.
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But when the updated iPhone and CarPlay systems become available later this year, the new Liquid Glass design will be joined by a new compact view for incoming calls, finally allowing users to see who’s calling without blocking key information like navigation directions.
When using CarPlay with an iPhone running iOS 26, the new Liquid Glass design will extend to the CarPlay interface. As with the iPhone, the new look will include more ‘shimmery’ app icons and translucent user interface elements.
The iOS update will also bring new Messages app features, allowing you to respond to messages with standard Tapbacks such as a thumbs-up, heart or exclamation marks emojis directly through CarPlay.
You will also be able to view pinned conversations in the Messages app on CarPlay.
CarPlay’s new Dashboard screen will also show Live Activities, allowing users to keep track of events including flight departure times.
There will also be a customisable widgets screen, which was previously only available with CarPlay Ultra, to view things like calendar appointments and HomeKit accessory controls.
With this exception, all of these new features and changes will also come to CarPlay Ultra.