- A cleaner design introduces more information with minimal distraction
- Tapbacks allow for fast, emoji-based answers to messages
- A new widget -based layout means more info on screen
Apple has revealed the first brand new design of iOS since 2013, as it seems to introduce a whole new look and feel across its devices and that also means new features for CarPlay.
Alongside a wealth of new features for iPhone, iPad and Mac, Tech Behemoth also announced that this fresh new look will also enter vehicles via Apple CarPlay – Smartphone mirror service that allows drivers to safely benefit from applications while behind the wheel.
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Although not the complete overhaul that Apple CarPlay Ultra introduces, which sees CarPlay, extends far beyond the central infotainment display and effectively takes over all screens in a vehicle, the upcoming update to regular ol ‘CarPlay still brings some useful features.
1. Easy on the eye, easier to use
The introduction of iOS 26 will initiate a new ‘floating glass’ Designnetthos, which the company describes as a “translucent material that reflects and breaks its surroundings”.
In plain speech, UX acts as a small magnifying glass that highlights the content when a user interacts with it.
The look will be transferred to Apple CarPlay, so we no longer have the very basic two or three rows of static 2D appicons and instead have emblems that seem to jump out of the screen.
There is also a navigation line on the left or right of the main screen that allows lightly jumping between the most commonly used or favorite applications.
2. Compact viewing reduces interruptions
Currently receiving a call while using CarPlay can be frustrating as the incoming call message shutters for entertainment and gets in the way of navigation.
Apple’s iOS 26 will get rid of this as it introduces a compact view that delivers pop-up overlay when a call comes in.
This makes it much easier to see who is calling and choosing to either answer or reject, without missing out on an important upcoming turnaround.
What’s more, Apple will also introduce tapbacks and fixed conversations to the messaging app, making it much easier to answer messages with simple emojis and keep track of conversations without taking your eyes out of the way to read rows of text.
It seems that Apple will tackle some of the most important concerns with the current CarPlay, including the requirement of constantly juggling and ironing between the many screens when interacting with different apps.
The introduction of widgets, which is one of the most important components of Apple CarPlay Ultra and a feature that Android Auto users have been able to enjoy for a long time, allows more apps to effectively be open on a single screen.
For example, Apple Maps can take the majority of an infotainment screen, while the widgets next to may indicate an estimated arrival time, a condensed icon for the current track that plays (as well as the opportunity to skip songs) and even a live fly.
4. Take control over calls
Several new iPhone-based iOS 26 features designed to minimize distractions will also enter the vehicle, with a call screening building on the current Live Voicemail feature by collecting information about the caller and delivering this in the form of a review.
The driver (or anyone in the car with an iPhone, for that matter) can then look at this information and decide if they can bother to pick up. It is a practical feature for screening the many fake calls and annoying sales places that no one has time for, especially when driving.
Keep Assist Streamline also productivity in so much that it detects to keep music and asks the user if they want their place in the queue to be held automatically. The iPhone then calls the user back when an operator becomes free.
This reduces the amount of time used to listen to annoying team music, rather than enjoying a radio station, podcast or Spotify playlist when trying to keep on top of the life administrator when you’re on the road.
