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Introduction
Apple has long been known for its strict policies regarding driving safety, limiting CarPlay’s features to avoid distractions while on the road. However, after over a decade of restrictions, the tech giant is making a major shift in its stance. In iOS 26, Apple will officially allow video playback on CarPlay—but only when the vehicle is parked. This change represents a significant evolution in the capabilities of the system and brings a host of new opportunities for developers and users alike.
Original
After years of not allowing video playback on CarPlay, Apple is finally opening up the feature with iOS 26. The update will allow users to watch videos through their CarPlay screen, but only when the car is parked. This new feature, named “Video in the Car,” is part of Apple’s plan to enhance CarPlay. As outlined on Apple’s developer website, AirPlay video will now be available on CarPlay, enabling iPhone users to watch their favorite content directly on their car’s screen while stationary.
Apple is encouraging developers to integrate AirPlay video support with CarPlay, providing resources through the MFi Program. The feature was briefly tested by a third-party app that managed to get a CarPlay web browser with video playback approved in the App Store; however, this feature was later removed. With iOS 26, Apple will officially allow video playback when parked, marking a long-awaited and significant shift in CarPlay’s capabilities.
In addition to video playback, iOS 26 will bring a redesign to CarPlay, offering updated icons and improved appearance options. Users can also look forward to new features in the Music app, Messages, and more. This major update, expected to roll out this fall, will undoubtedly make CarPlay a more versatile and appealing feature for iPhone users.
What Undercode Say:
Apple’s decision to allow video playback in iOS 26 is a substantial shift from its original philosophy around CarPlay. The company’s stance has always been one of caution, prioritizing driver safety by restricting potentially distracting features, including video content, while driving. By relaxing this restriction, Apple is acknowledging the increasing demand for in-car entertainment options and the growing reliance on multimedia content during everyday commutes.
This change will likely have a massive impact on how CarPlay is used. For one, it could open up new opportunities for developers, as more apps may be created with video capabilities tailored specifically for the CarPlay environment. We might see a surge in apps that provide entertainment and media, such as streaming services, YouTube, and video podcasts, all of which could become more integrated into the driving experience (albeit when the vehicle is parked).
Additionally, the shift could have broader implications for the auto industry. With the inclusion of video playback, Apple is signaling that it intends to continue pushing the boundaries of the connected car experience. The feature will not only serve as a tool for entertainment but also pave the way for further integration between CarPlay and other in-car technologies. In the future, we might see even more complex interactions between the vehicle’s infotainment system, navigation, and media content.
However,
Furthermore, the redesign of CarPlay and the introduction of new features like widget support and updates to the Music and Messages apps will enhance the overall user experience. CarPlay’s evolving interface, with its more customizable icons, will make the system feel more modern and flexible. These changes suggest that Apple is taking a more holistic approach to CarPlay’s evolution, making it a more integral part of the user’s digital life both inside and outside of the car.
In conclusion, Apple’s move to allow video playback in CarPlay is a calculated decision that strikes a balance between safety and entertainment. It sets the stage for further advancements in in-car technology while responding to consumer demand for more immersive digital experiences. It will be interesting to see how developers and the auto industry adapt to this new direction in the coming months.
Fact Checker Results ✅
Apple’s decision to allow video playback on CarPlay is legitimate and officially announced by the company. The feature will be available in iOS 26 when the vehicle is parked.
Third-party apps have previously tested video playback on CarPlay, but the feature was removed after initial approval. Apple’s new update allows this officially.
The new CarPlay update will also bring redesigned icons, widget support, and updates to key apps like Music and Messages, enhancing the overall user experience.
Prediction 📅
As Apple continues to expand CarPlay’s capabilities, we expect to see even more advanced features in the future. It’s likely that CarPlay will become an even more integral part of the car experience, offering advanced integrations with other in-car systems, better voice control features, and deeper connections with apps and services outside the Apple ecosystem. With the addition of video playback and other multimedia features, Apple is positioning CarPlay to evolve into a central hub for entertainment, productivity, and convenience on the go.
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Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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