iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action - MacRumors
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iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

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Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability.

CarPlay Liquid Glass Dark
There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but software developer Thomas Dye managed to get it working to some extent in Xcode's CarPlay simulator on the Mac, and he showed it off in a recent YouTube video (via 9to5Mac).


On an iPhone connected to CarPlay, it appears that videos in any AirPlay-supported app can be played on the car's display. In the Dynamic Island, there is a button that allows you to show the video on the iPhone instead, when you want to.

The demo also reveals that an Apple TV app will be available on CarPlay, allowing you to access shows and movies from the Apple TV streaming service and your own library. There is also a tab for accessing MLS Season Pass. However, it is not entirely clear if the Apple TV app will actually be this fully featured on the real version of CarPlay.

The simulator provides an early albeit fairly clunky look at CarPlay's video streaming in action. The feature will likely be available by time iOS 26.4 is released to the general public in late March or early April, but there is a chance it will get held back until iOS 26.5 or later if Apple needs more time to wrap up development.

Apple's website indicates that automakers will need to implement support for the CarPlay video functionality, due to the safety requirement that the vehicle be parked, so it may take some time for the feature to widely roll out.

Related Reading: iOS 26.4 Adds These 12 New Features to Your iPhone

Related Roundups: CarPlay, iOS 26, iPadOS 26
Tag: AirPlay
Related Forums: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology, iOS 26

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Top Rated Comments

J
Jamie0003
15 weeks ago

That's great that it works on the simulator but yesterday we were told it requires some cat manufacturer update that ensures it only works while the car isn't moving (I suppose in park position), so who knows if this will ever come to current vehicles on the market or for sale?!
Besides, I have an EV but my charging stops are way to precious to move/use restroom/get snack etc than watching something on the screen, and they typically last less than 25 min anyways
Why would this be needed? CarPlay already knows when you’re moving, for example you can only use the keyboard when you’re stationary
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DanteHicks79 Avatar
DanteHicks79
15 weeks ago

Apple's website indicates ('https://developer.apple.com/carplay/') that automakers will need to implement support for the CarPlay video functionality, due to the safety requirement that the vehicle be parked, so it may take some time for the feature to widely roll out.
So, essentially forget about this feature being implemented in any vehicle older than a year. No auto-maker is gonna roll this out for anything but their brand new models.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
d-klumpp Avatar
d-klumpp
15 weeks ago
I cannot EVER imagine needing this feature. Instead, focus on a weather radar overlay for Maps! Too often, I feel the youthful Apple engineers in sunny CA don't quite get what most of us need IRL.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Y
yoheywut
15 weeks ago

Apple's website indicates ('https://developer.apple.com/carplay/') that automakers will need to implement support for the CarPlay video functionality, due to the safety requirement that the vehicle be parked, so it may take some time for the feature to widely roll out.
Got it, so basically will never see this on my 2023 Chevy Bolt.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghostface147 Avatar
ghostface147
14 weeks ago
I’ve always observed there to be a video/audio delay on wireless CarPlay. It’s a half second off for me, so the audio is always behind the video. How does that get resolved?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
Iconoclysm
15 weeks ago

or you can watch on the much superior screen of the phone itself...
My car has a huge screen and Dolby Atmos audio. Not even close.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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