Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 is set to introduce a highly anticipated feature for CarPlay: video playback. This is a significant shift, as Apple has previously resisted adding this functionality to its CarPlay system. Starting with iOS 26, users will be able to play videos on their CarPlay screen, but there’s an important catch – this will only be possible when the car is parked. 
While this feature sounds exciting, it’s not an automatic addition for every car. Automakers will need to enable support for it, meaning not all vehicles will support it at launch, and some may roll it out much later.
In addition to video playback, iOS 26 will bring redesigned icons, appearance tweaks, and new features for CarPlay. These include support for widgets, as well as updates to Music and Messages. Fortunately, these changes don’t require car manufacturers’ approval, so you can expect them to be available in September.
For those looking for a more premium experience, Apple has also announced CarPlay Ultra, which was unveiled in May alongside Aston Martin. This upgraded version is expected to be supported by several car brands, including Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, and Ford, but notably, brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo have opted out of this upgrade.