As we know that Apple has launched its new iOS 26 Public Beta, and as we have discussed in the previous blogs, what are the features that will be available in iOS 26 Public Beta? Today in this blog, we are going to talk about one such feature that is iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta. It can be useful for those who will attach the user to their CarPlay while driving the car. So what are the features that the user will get and how it performs with iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta in 2025? Let’s know one by one.
Note – All screenshots were taken from the official website of Apple and edited by hitechnotify.com for informational purposes only.
iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta is not just a visual upgrade; it’s a new look at the capabilities of your car’s dashboard while driving. From personalized profiles to improved Siri interactions, Apple is turning your car into another smart device. But are these features really useful for users? Let’s take a look at these 4 most important features—and what people are saying about them online?
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Top 4 Features in iOS 26 CarPlay public Beta
1. Enhanced Widget Integration: car’s dashboard understands my day
Apple has further enhanced the widgets feature in iOS 26 CarPlay. Now, widgets are no longer just little boxes of data—they are dynamic, customizable, and context-aware. This means your CarPlay screen adapts in real-time to what’s most important: weather, calendar, navigation, music, or even battery status. If we talk about why this is important, drivers no longer have to toggle between apps or screens. For example, if it’s raining, you might see the weather widget first. If you’re going to a meeting, your calendar appointment appears front and center. This is a huge advancement in reducing distractions and increasing convenience.
As one user posted on Twitter, CarPlay’s widgets in iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta are proving to be a game-changer. Finally, it feels like my car’s dashboard understands my day. This feature makes CarPlay feel more like a co-pilot than a phone screen mounted on wheels.
2. Upgraded Apple Maps: Navigation That Understands You
If we talk about any new features, then yes, Apple Maps in iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta has received significant visual and functional improvements. Now you will see a more detailed layout of the city, a better 3D rendering of landmarks, and a cleaner UI. Lane guidance is smarter, and traffic overlays are more accurate and real-time. It is important for drivers to make quick and safe decisions, especially at complex intersections or in city traffic.
This reduces the need for guesswork, which is often the difference between a comfortable and stressful trip. In short, Apple Maps could finally make its place as your go-to navigation tool inside the car.
3. Apple Music Experience: A Dashboard for Music Lovers
From my personal experience, when you are driving a car, one of the most important things for drivers is the music system, and when you are driving in mountains and cities, music is an essential part of the journey. Apple is making some improvements to the Apple Music experience with iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta. CarPlay brings a new Apple Music interface and the dashboard of album art is larger, playlists are easier to navigate, and you can now listen to live lyrics right on the screen—just like your iPhone. As we know, music is an important part of the in-car experience. Apple understands this, and the new layout makes it easier and safer to find, enjoy, and control your songs without distractions.
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4. Improved Live Activities & Siri Suggestions: Smarter Driving Assistant
Think real-time sports scores, delivery updates, or even flight statuses for easy viewing while driving. Siri Suggestions have also been improved to offer better actions based on your habits and location. For example, Siri can suggest you call someone you talk to often. If you’re heading to the gym, it can suggest your favorite workout playlist. If I can’t stress enough, these updates help reduce manual tasks. You don’t need to dig around in apps when CarPlay is already anticipating your needs.
Final Thoughts: Is iOS 26 CarPlay Worth the Hype?
The iOS 26 CarPlay public beta brings a really useful update, and with its new design, functions, and personalization, it deserves all the buzz it’s been getting on social media. CarPlay has always been a powerful concept, but it’s felt stagnant over the past few years. With this release, Apple is not only moving forward in this area but also setting the pace for the smart car experience. If your car supports CarPlay and you like to stay ahead of the times, this beta might be useful for you. For everyone else, this stable release will likely arrive with the iPhone 17 lineup this fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta?
iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta is the trial version of Apple’s updated in-car system. It allows users to test upcoming features such as enhanced widgets, improved Maps, and smarter Siri before the official release.
Is the iOS 26 CarPlay Public Beta update available for everyone?
No, it’s currently only available to users who enroll in Apple’s Public Beta Program. You also need an iPhone that supports iOS 26 and a compatible CarPlay system in your car.
What are the top 4 features in this CarPlay update?
The main highlights include Enhanced Widget Integration, an Upgraded Apple Maps experience, a Revamped Apple Music interface, and Improved Live Activities with Siri Suggestions.
How do Enhanced Widgets improve the CarPlay experience?
Widgets now update in real-time and offer more interactivity. Users can check weather updates, battery status, navigation directions, and media playback from the home screen without needing to open separate apps.
What’s new in Apple Maps on CarPlay with iOS 26?
Apple Maps now includes detailed lane guidance, real-time hazard alerts, and a cleaner interface. These changes help drivers stay focused and get more accurate directions.
How has Apple Music changed in CarPlay iOS 26?
The music interface now offers smoother transitions, more detailed album art, and quicker access to personalized playlists and recommendations.
What are Live Activities in CarPlay?
Live Activities let users track tasks in real-time—like delivery progress, ride-hailing ETA, or step-by-step navigation—without leaving the main screen.
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