If you haven’t already updated to iOS 26, you should, so you can take advantage of the new CarPlay features. Here’s each one and how they work.
The just-released iOS 26 added new features to iPhones while giving Apple smartphones a fresh new look. And if you connect your phone to your car via Apple CarPlay, you’re also getting several new features that will make driving more enjoyable, even if you’re stuck in traffic, without compromising on safety.
The navigation capabilities of modern smartphones, alongside their data connection, make them great for finding directions while driving. However, they can also get distracting to use, with notifications and other apps that might appear on your screen as you drive along the highway. Aside from that, even though these gadgets typically have large screens, they’re still usually smaller than the latest infotainment systems found on most cars.
Because of this, Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) has now become an essential feature that many car buyers look for in new vehicles. But aside from automakers putting in the functionality in the models they offer, Google and Apple also have the responsibility of updating its in-car platforms to ensure that its users get the most out of their phones. So, these are some of the latest Apple CarPlay features that you must check out after updating your phone to iOS 26.Widgets let you add more info on your touchscreen
One of the biggest new features Apple CarPlay received in iOS 26 is widgets. Although this is no different from the widgets you can place on your home screen, having them available on your car’s infotainment makes them so much more useful. This means that you can now have your favorite apps readily viewable on your car’s screen, even if they do not have an Apple CarPlay-specific version of the app.
These widgets make driving more fun while still limiting distractions. One such widget that you should check out is from the Dynamic Lyrics app. You can download it from the App Store and then connect your Apple Music or Spotify account. From there, you can go to your iPhone’s settings and add the app as a widget.
