- CarPlay in iOS 26 will support video playback via AirPlay.
- Feature works only when the vehicle is parked.
- Automakers must opt in to enable it—support will vary.
- Not all apps (e.g., Netflix) support AirPlay streaming.
Apple is giving its in-car interface a fresh boost with iOS 26, quietly confirming support for video playback through CarPlay. While it wasn’t highlighted during the company’s WWDC 2025 keynote, the new feature was recently spotted on Apple’s developer site.
However, there’s a significant catch that may limit how widely it’s adopted.
Video Streaming Comes to CarPlay While Parked
With iOS 26, users will be able to stream videos from their iPhones to the CarPlay display using AirPlay. This means passengers can enjoy their favorite content directly on the car’s infotainment screen, but only when the vehicle is stationary. Apple is making it clear this feature is for parked viewing only, keeping safety a top priority.
The update uses the same AirPlay standard that’s already available across Apple devices like the Apple TV. If an app supports AirPlay, it should work with the new CarPlay feature, though major platforms like Netflix still don’t allow streaming through AirPlay, which could limit content options initially.
Automakers Must Opt In to Enable It
One major limitation of the new feature is that car manufacturers must choose to enable it. Unlike core CarPlay functions that are more universally available, video playback through AirPlay will require collaboration and integration on the automakers’ part.
This means drivers may not see the feature at all unless they’re using a car from a brand that supports it. Additionally, some regions could block or restrict the feature due to local safety regulations, further limiting its availability.
Apple Responds to Growing Pressure from Competitors
Apple’s move to introduce video streaming in CarPlay isn’t happening in a vacuum. Competitors like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz already offer in-car video entertainment. Android Auto is also expected to add similar features soon. This update helps ensure that CarPlay remains competitive in the evolving smart car space.
Apple’s slow and cautious approach to unveiling the feature suggests the company is still gauging how well it will be received by both automakers and regulators. That may explain why it wasn’t a headline announcement at WWDC.
iOS 26 Public Beta and Final Release Timeline
The public beta for iOS 26 is expected to launch very soon, allowing users to preview and test the video feature if their vehicles support it. The full version of iOS 26 will arrive this September, likely alongside the debut of the iPhone 17 lineup.
Until then, it’s unclear how many car brands will support AirPlay video in CarPlay out of the gate, but the groundwork is being laid for a more media-rich driving experience.
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