CarPlay is experiencing a true renaissance. After years of relative stagnation, Apple has once again dedicated full attention to the popular infotainment system, and the results are remarkable. Significant innovations already came with iOS 26, but iOS 26.4 takes it a step further. Widgets, Live Activities, a fresh Liquid Glass design, and now even video playback while parked, as well as third-party AI chatbot integration: CarPlay is evolving at a rapid pace.
CarPlay has been exceptionally popular with drivers since its introduction. Surveys of vehicle users repeatedly confirm this: hardly any feature in the modern car is as highly valued as the seamless iPhone integration in the cockpit. Yet, despite this popularity, Apple seemed content for a long time to leave CarPlay in a largely stable state.
When Apple announced the so-called "next generation of CarPlay" at WWDC in 2022, the excitement was palpable. What followed, however, was mostly silence. The existing CarPlay system received hardly any significant updates, while Apple's internal resources were focused elsewhere. For many users, this was a disappointing development, especially since competitors in the infotainment sector weren't standing still. That has now fundamentally changed. And there are compelling reasons for it.
iOS 26 and CarPlay Ultra: The turning point in 2025
Last year, 2025, marked a true turning point for CarPlay. First, CarPlay Ultra, the "next generation" of CarPlay, which had been announced in 2022, was released. Initially, Apple seemed to plan to position CarPlay Ultra as a complete replacement for the existing system. However, resistance from many automakers led to CarPlay Ultra ultimately being introduced as a separate premium feature. For the time being, it remained a niche solution for high-end vehicles, far from the widespread rollout many had anticipated.
At the same time, iOS 26 brought the biggest changes to regular CarPlay in years. For the first time, widgets and Live Activities were supported, the interface received the new Liquid Glass design, and overall CarPlay looked fresher and more modern than ever before. For users who had been waiting for substantial improvements, iOS 26 was a real surprise.
What iOS 26.4 will specifically bring in 2026
Now, iOS 26.4 continues this positive trend, and the pace is remarkable. Even in its beta phase, the update reveals two significant new features that are currently under development.
Video playback while parked
A long-awaited feature has finally arrived in CarPlay: once the vehicle is parked, videos can be played via the system. This opens up entirely new usage scenarios, whether while waiting, on long journeys as a passenger, or while charging an electric vehicle. Until now, CarPlay was severely limited in this respect, which many users considered an unnecessary restriction.
Third-party AI chatbot apps
CarPlay is opening up to external AI applications. Third-party developers will soon be able to integrate their own AI chatbot apps into CarPlay. This is a significant step that evolves CarPlay from a simple mirroring interface to a more open platform. Given the increasing role of AI assistants in everyday life, this expansion is strategically crucial.
Neither feature will appear in a major annual update, but rather in a single point release. This is a clear indication that Apple is currently treating CarPlay with a significantly higher priority than just a few years ago.
Project Titan: The years-long distraction
There are several specific reasons for this change in strategy, and one of the most important is directly related to Apple's own history.
For over a decade, Apple worked on its own electric vehicle under the codename Project Titan. The project consumed enormous resources and attention within the company. It was finally discontinued in early 2024 without a vehicle ever reaching the market. The resources previously invested in the Apple Car project are now available for other ventures. CarPlay has clearly benefited from this in the meantime.
CarPlay Ultra as a closed chapter
CarPlay Ultra was also in development for years. After being unveiled in 2022, it took until 2025 for it to actually hit the market. With this launch, another resource-intensive chapter comes to a close. Apple can now redirect more energy to the further development of regular CarPlay, which is relevant for the vast majority of users worldwide, while CarPlay Ultra continues as a premium product for high-end vehicles.
The pressure from car manufacturers
Another important factor is the growing pressure from the automotive industry. Some manufacturers who once enthusiastically supported CarPlay have begun developing their own infotainment systems and reducing or completely discontinuing CarPlay support. For Apple, this is a strong incentive to make CarPlay more attractive and increase its value for both manufacturers and drivers. A more powerful CarPlay simply makes it more difficult for automakers to do without the system.
AI as a new threat to the iPhone
Furthermore, there's a technological development that Apple can't ignore: artificial intelligence is changing the way people interact with technology, especially in cars. Voice assistants and AI chatbots could put pressure on the iPhone's central role in users' daily lives. By upgrading CarPlay with AI features and allowing third-party apps into the system, Apple is protecting the entire Apple ecosystem and strengthening the iPhone's position as an indispensable device, even in vehicles.
CarPlay as a strategic protective barrier
The investments in CarPlay are therefore not just a nice bonus for drivers. They are strategically sound. An improved CarPlay binds users more closely to the iPhone, makes switching to Android devices or alternative infotainment systems less attractive, and secures Apple's position in a market that is fundamentally changing due to electromobility, autonomous driving, and AI. Those who value CarPlay are more likely to stick with the iPhone, and those who stick with the iPhone remain within the Apple ecosystem.
The best times for CarPlay are still ahead of us
The recent developments surrounding CarPlay are neither accidental nor a passing trend. Apple has several strategic reasons for consistently developing CarPlay, and the distractions of recent years, namely Project Titan and the lengthy development of CarPlay Ultra, have now been removed.
iOS 26.4 introduces video playback while the car is parked and third-party AI chatbot integration—two features that demonstrate the direction things are headed. CarPlay is becoming more open, intelligent, and versatile. This is excellent news for anyone who uses CarPlay daily. And there are strong indications that Apple will maintain this pace well beyond 2026. The best times for CarPlay are very likely still ahead. For the best products: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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