NFC & UWB Digital Car Keys
Apple announced a major expansion of its Wallet app’s digital Car Key feature, adding support for 13 additional vehicle brands. Currently in use with brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz since its 2020 debut, the feature now welcomes luxury automakers Porsche and Cadillac, EV makers Rivian and Lucid, GM’s Chevrolet and GMC, Acura, and international brands including Tata Motors, Hongqi, WEY, Chery, Voyah, and Smartl
The Car Key enables iPhone and Apple Watch users to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles using NFC—and in some cases UWB—without physical keys. Apple did not provide a specific launch timeline for the expanded rollout, though support is expected later this year.
This addition marks the largest single expansion to the program since its inception and brings the total number of supported brands to 33.
Back to Radio Days
Apple CarPlay Ultra introduces a groundbreaking, all-in-one radio experience that operates without streaming by tapping directly into a vehicle’s built-in antennas for both terrestrial and satellite signals. For the first time, drivers can access traditional radio through CarPlay without relying on mobile data. In addition, the platform brings climate control functions—like heating and air conditioning—directly to the CarPlay interface. With these features, Apple is reestablishing radio as a central element of the modern dashboard, using smartphone integration to seamlessly blend digital convenience with classic broadcast functionality.
A Glassy New Design: Liquid Glass UI
The most striking change is the adoption of Apple’s new Liquid Glass visual language across CarPlay. This design introduces translucent, refractive app elements and holograph-like layering inspired by visionOS Interfaces like the now-playing screen, navigation maps, and alert pop-ups will gain light-responsive depth, refining the overall aesthetic without obstructing vital driving information .
Interactive Widgets & Live Activities
For the first time, standard CarPlay users will access widgets—initially exclusive to CarPlay Ultra—offering at-a-glance info for services like calendars, HomeKit, weather, flight trackers, and delivery status . These integrate automatically from the iPhone, with zero additional developer effort . Alongside widgets come Live Activities, enabling real‑time updates during drives, such as sports scores or package tracking—visible right on the CarPlay dashboard
Smoother Messaging: Tapbacks, Pinned Threads & Compact Alerts
Messaging on CarPlay also sees significant enhancements. Users can now react to texts with emoji Tapbacks—heart, thumbs up/down, laugh, exclamation—offered via quick popovers for safer, minimal-interaction responsesAdditionally, pinned conversations from iMessage will carry over, keeping your most important chats easily accessible.
Incoming call alerts will shift to a low-profile “pill” UI at the bottom of the screen—a departure from full-screen interruptions—so navigation remains visible during call events.
Better Map & Navigation Control
iOS 26 enables multi-touch map gestures in CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra on supported car displays, allowing users to pinch, zoom, and pan maps directly—mimicking the iPhone navigation experience . Apple Maps itself gains clandestine interface refinement and AI navigation enhancements under iOS 26—but that broader story remains separate from CarPlay’s focus .
Accessibility & Road Safety Features
CarPlay enhancements also include accessibility improvements like large text options and expanded Sound Recognition, now able to detect baby cries or sirens and alert drivers—critical for safety.
Availability & CarPlay Ultra
iOS 26 is expected to launch publicly this fall (likely September, after beta cycles begin in July), and will support iPhone 11 and newer. All upgrades apply equally to standard CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra, though Ultra uniquely integrates seamlessly with multiple vehicle screens (like Aston Martin’s driver display), climate hubs, and seat controls.
CarPlay supports over 600 million sessions daily These updates blend richer visuals, smarter controls, and safer interaction—evolution steps that mirror Apple’s broader Artificial Intelligence and UI overhaul via Apple Intelligence and Liquid Glass . The result: a more glanceable, efficient, and less distracting car interface.
With iOS 26, Apple is leveling the in-car user experience by bringing its most advanced UI and usability tools from iOS into vehicles. Standard CarPlay users gain powerful yet subtle upgrades—widgets, live updates, improved messaging, glossier visuals—while CarPlay Ultra expands this integration even deeper into vehicle controls. Apple’s move represents a strategic pivot toward in-car AI engagement, and positions CarPlay as a central platform in the evolving automotive-tech landscape.