Apple CarPlay gets a new design and smart widgets to make driving easier
Apple at its WWDC 2025 developer conference unveiled iOS 26 and a complete redesign of all its platforms - iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS. Apple CarPlay system also received its portion of innovations.
Here's What We Know
The CarPlay update will also bring a new "Liquid Glass" style design of on-screen graphics. There are also a few changes to the logic for interacting with messages that appear, including a new compact view for incoming calls. Apple says this will allow users to see who's calling without blocking out information about upcoming turns or directions.
Another useful change is the introduction of widgets. The company hasn't said much about them, but the widgets appear to include virtual buttons for connected devices like garage doors and smart lights in the home. Users will also be able to take a quick look at their Live Activities.
The latest version of CarPlay has also received updates related to Messages. Specifically, users will be able to bookmark conversations and reply to messages with Tapback - a quick snap of a like or other emotion.
CarPlay Ultra. Illustration: Apple
The aforementioned updates will also come to CarPlay Ultra, which recently launched in Aston Martin cars. It will eventually appear in other brands, including cars from Hyundai, Kia and Genesis.
Source: Apple
