With iOS 27, CarPlay receives its next significant boost: video apps while stationary, the new Siri AI generation in the cockpit, a persistent mini-player, route data for electric vehicles, and a refreshed design. However, one of the core functions doesn't reach every driver equally – and that's precisely what's crucial for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland).
After years of stagnation, CarPlay has experienced a true renaissance since iOS 26, and iOS 27 continues this trend. Instead of just a few cosmetic tweaks, Apple is bringing a whole host of new features to the car – from video streaming and a significantly smarter assistant to practical improvements to audio and navigation. These new features are part of iOS 27, which is currently in beta and will be released in its final version this fall alongside the new iPhone generation. Most of the features require an iPhone running iOS 27, some also require a compatible vehicle – and one depends on the region where you're driving.
Videos in a parked car
CarPlay apps can integrate a video function in iOS 27, allowing users to browse and view content directly on the vehicle's display. For safety reasons, playback only works when the vehicle is stationary: as soon as the car starts moving, CarPlay automatically switches to audio-only playback. Additionally, iPhone apps that support AirPlay can stream content to the car's display.
The important limitation is on the manufacturer's side: the video function must be activated in the vehicle by the respective car manufacturer – and so far, no manufacturer has announced any such plans. The feature will therefore only become practically usable once the first compatible models are released.
Siri AI is making its way into the cockpit
The new, significantly more powerful Siri generation in iOS 27 can also be used in the car for hands-free calls. Siri AI works in CarPlay just like on other devices: You can perform tasks or ask for information while driving without taking your hands off the wheel. Conversations that start in the car sync with the Siri app on the iPhone and can be continued there later.
Whether this function is available at all depends on the region and hardware – more on that below.
Audio: persistent mini-player and progress bar
The "Now Playing" view features a persistent mini-player. It displays album art and playback controls in the top right corner of audio and media apps, ensuring these controls are always readily accessible. This is complemented by a progress bar, allowing users to jump directly to a specific point in a song, podcast, or audiobook – a small but noticeable detail in everyday use.
Fresh design: Wallpaper, Liquid Glass and larger previews
CarPlay adopts the new iOS 27 wallpapers, optimized for the vehicle display. A total of 14 wave-design wallpapers in various colors are available. Furthermore, CarPlay in iOS 27 supports larger, more interactive preview images and incorporates the redesigned Liquid Glass icons for apps like Maps and Weather. This results in a cleaner and more modern user interface.
Route data for electric cars and more precise navigation
Particularly relevant for electric car drivers: Navigation apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps can transmit route data to the vehicle. The car compares the planned route with its own range and can suggest a charging stop if necessary – a feature that is becoming increasingly useful in Central Europe's dense charging network.
In addition, there are improvements under the hood: Apple states that wireless CarPlay works more reliably in iOS 27, and both GPS accuracy and driving direction detection have been improved. Those who regularly use wireless CarPlay should particularly benefit from this in everyday use.
Voice control and natural language
All app categories will be able to offer a voice control option in iOS 27. Apple provides a template that developers can integrate into their apps for voice-guided operation. At the same time, natural language search in Apple Maps has been extended to navigation – and this also works with CarPlay. This allows routes to be planned via voice command to specifically avoid toll roads, highways, or other sections of the route.
Siri AI in CarPlay: This applies to Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Siri AI functions in CarPlay run via the connected iPhone – and this is where there's a significant difference for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). In the European Union, including Germany and Austria, Siri AI will not launch on iPhones and iPads with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 for the time being. Apple cites the Digital Markets Act (DMA): The EU Commission did not accept any of the proposed compromises, and there is currently no timetable for a later launch. Because CarPlay relies on the iPhone for its assistance, the existing Siri version will remain active in the car for now.
The situation is different in Switzerland: it is not part of the EU and therefore not covered by the DMA, which is why Siri AI can be used there on compatible hardware just like in the rest of the world – and thus also in CarPlay. Siri AI is also available on Mac and Vision Pro in the EU, but for use in the car, only the paired iPhone counts. For users in Germany and Austria, this means: the other CarPlay innovations of iOS 27 will be available, only the Siri AI component will be excluded at launch.
Compatibility: What you need for the new features
For the new CarPlay features, you need a connected iPhone with iOS 27 installed. Siri AI has an additional requirement: an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone is necessary, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. Certain features, such as video streaming, also require a vehicle whose manufacturer has enabled support.
CarPlay in iOS 27 – the most important points at a glance
iOS 27 finally transforms CarPlay into more than just iPhone mirroring: video playback while stationary, a cleaner design, smarter navigation including charging stop suggestions, and an assistant capable of genuine conversations in the car. Many of these features will be available immediately upon iOS 27's release this fall; some individual functions are still awaiting development from vehicle manufacturers.
For the DACH region, one point remains to be noted: While the full version including Siri AI is available in Switzerland, users in Germany and Austria will be missing the Siri AI component at launch – but the rest of the CarPlay innovations will be available everywhere.
The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
- Why the iPhone will not be affected by the EU's 2027 replaceable battery requirement
- Apple Ring: All the rumors at a glance
- iPhone Air 2: All the rumors at a glance
- iPhone Ultra (iPhone Fold): All rumors and facts at a glance
- iPhone 18 Pro: All the rumors at a glance
- Apfelpatient Weekly #13
- Apple Watch Series 12: All the rumors at a glance
- AirPods Ultra: All the rumors at a glance
- Apple Maps in iOS 27: An overview of all new features
- Apple TV in July 2026: All the highlights at a glance
- iPhone 18e: All the rumors at a glance
- Apfelpatient Weekly #12
- iPhone 18: All the rumors at a glance
- Mac Studio M5: All the Rumors at a glance
- MacBook Ultra: All the rumors at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions: CarPlay in iOS 27
Video playback while stationary, the new Siri AI generation, a permanent mini-player with progress bar, 14 new wallpapers with liquid glass look, route data for electric cars, more reliable wireless CarPlay and enhanced voice control.
Not at launch: Because Siri AI won't be available on iPhones in the EU with iOS 27 due to DMA limitations, and CarPlay relies on the iPhone's assistance, the existing Siri version will remain active there for the time being. Siri AI is available in Switzerland.
Yes, but only when stationary – CarPlay switches to audio only when driving begins. Furthermore, the vehicle manufacturer must activate the function; so far, no manufacturer has announced this.
The basis is an iPhone with iOS 27. For Siri AI, an Apple Intelligence-enabled device is also required – i.e., iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Classic CarPlay mirrors iPhone apps onto the infotainment display. CarPlay Ultra integrates more deeply into the vehicle (such as instrument cluster and climate control) and is currently reserved for select, higher-priced models.
Yes. Apple Maps and Google Maps can transmit route data to the vehicle; the car compares the route with the range and suggests a charging stop if necessary.
iOS 27 is currently running as a beta and will be released in the fall, together with the new iPhone generation.
