iOS 26's new Liquid Glass design isn't stopping at iPhones. Apple's translucent aesthetic is rolling out across the entire ecosystem at WWDC 2025, and CarPlay is getting the same glossy makeover. This unified design approach ensures your car's interface matches your other Apple devices perfectly—crucial since CarPlay mirrors your iPhone while driving. Here are all the new CarPlay features coming with this new iOS update.
Liquid Glass design revolution
The Liquid Glass design transforms CarPlay from basic 2D icons into dynamic, translucent elements that pop off the screen. This magnifying glass-like interface highlights content as you interact with it, while a new side navigation bar lets you jump between your favourite apps without endless swiping.
Multi-app widgets
CarPlay finally gets widgets, which is one of the key components of Apple CarPlay Ultra. This update lets multiple apps share a single screen. Apple Maps can dominate your display while side widgets show arrival times, music controls for skipping tracks, and even live flight tracking—all without switching between separate screens, just like Android Auto users have enjoyed for years.
Smart call management
Incoming calls no longer hijack your entire screen. iOS 26 introduces compact pop-up overlays that show caller info without blocking navigation, so you won't miss that crucial turn. Plus, Tapbacks and pinned conversations in Messages let you reply with quick emojis and track important chats without reading lengthy texts while driving.
Enhanced call features
Two iPhone productivity features are coming to your car – Call Screening analyses incoming calls and shows caller details in notifications, helping you dodge spam and sales calls while driving. Hold Assist detects hold music and offers to queue your place automatically, calling you back when an operator is free—perfect for handling life admin on the road without enduring annoying hold music.