iOS 26.4 may allow CarPlay users to watch videos in their car

Drivers may soon get another form of entertainment in their car, thanks to the next version of Apple's CarPlay.

Video playback on CarPlay is supposedly coming with iOS 26.4. Aaron Perris on X posted a string of code hinting that Apple TV would be available in CarPlay, strongly hinting that CarPlay users should soon be able to watch videos on their car's screen. 9to5Mac also found code referencing video playback in features including climate controls, notifications, and a "TV App" (likely Apple TV).

Apple disclosed that video playback was coming to CarPlay with some version of iOS 26. On its developer site for CarPlay, the Cupertino company states that "AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving." Apple encourages developers to "integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car."

That first sentence carries a big (and, as far as safety is concerned, important) caveat: Video playback via CarPlay will only be available when the connected vehicle is parked. That means that distracted drivers won't be able to binge TikTok in rush hour traffic (which is a good thing). However, it also means that families and other drivers likely won't be able to use their car's display as an infotainment center or video player to keep passengers occupied.

It also looks like it's up to automakers to enable the feature, so video playback may not come to all vehicles upon its anticipated release.