Video playback is finally coming with the new CarPlay feature in iOS 26

CarPlay gets video playback feature in iOS 26 (Image source: Apple)

Apple has added video playback support to CarPlay in iOS 26 that should work as long as the car is parked. This is just one of the improvements that CarPlay has received; new widgets, redesigned icons and more should now be available for eligible Apple product users (and, naturally, eligible car models), too.

Ali Amir, Published 06/16/2025 🇪🇸 🇵🇹 ...

Apple is all set to allow apps to display videos on connected CarPlay screens in iOS 26 so long as the car is parked. This big CarPlay update comes after a long time of Apple restricting video playback. This new option will now be available via the “video in the car” menu option, as indicated on Apple’s developer web page for CarPlay.

Video playback will be officially allowed for the first time since CarPlay arrived in 2014. Each automaker will have the option of either allowing the AirPlay video feature on a particular car model, or not. Apple is bringing a bit of an overhaul to CarPlay in iOS 26 with newly redesigned icons and appearance options, widget support, and updates to Music and Messages.

CarPlay-enabled cars offer the driver and passengers entertainment experience that's in some respects superior to what built-in infotainment systems normally offer. That being said, some electric vehicle companies have rival options; for Tesla cars, there is a Theater app, allowing you to play videos from apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Twitch on the dashboard screen while parked.

Apple has yet to share additional details or images for the new AirPlay video feature but it won't become immediately available either way as automakers need to add support for it first, as stated by Apple. Both regular CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra users should receive it eventually. Please note that this feature's availability will differ depending on where you are.