New Apple CarPlay Update Brings Video Playback to Your Dashboard
Get ready to kick back and enjoy videos on your car’s dashboard display – but don’t get too excited about binge-watching on your commute. Apple is officially adding video playback capabilities to its CarPlay automotive operating system, a feature integrated into the upcoming iOS 26.
This highly anticipated update will allow users to stream their favorite videos directly from their iPhone to the vehicle’s infotainment screen. However, there’s a crucial, safety-focused catch: video playback will only be enabled when the vehicle is completely stationary and parked.
Safety First: Why You Can Only Watch When Parked
This “parked only” restriction isn’t an oversight; it’s a necessary measure to comply with distracted driving laws and regulations around the world. Many jurisdictions, including Apple’s home state of California (Vehicle Code Section 27602), strictly prohibit watching video in the driver’s line of sight while the car is in motion.
CarPlay is already designed with safety in mind and is quite adept at detecting when a vehicle is moving. For instance, it restricts actions like scrolling extensively through your music library while the car is in motion. While it’s likely some users will attempt to bypass the parked-only limitation, Apple’s system is built to prevent such workarounds to ensure drivers keep their eyes on the road.
How It Works: AirPlay Streaming from iOS 26
The technology behind this new feature is Apple’s familiar AirPlay. Users running iOS 26 on their iPhone will be able to stream video content directly to the CarPlay display. This seamless integration means your video library is just an AirPlay tap away.
Apple confirmed the functionality, stating that “AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving.” They also encouraged developers to integrate support for this feature.
It’s important to note that while CarPlay is compatible with over 800 vehicle models, the implementation of this new video feature will require individual vehicle manufacturers to enable the necessary update for their specific models. So, availability may vary initially depending on your car’s make and model.
From Third-Party Attempts to Official Support
This isn’t the first time video on the CarPlay screen has surfaced. A third-party app called Sidecar briefly offered web browsing and web-based video streaming on the dash display, alongside other functions. However, Apple quickly requested the developer remove the video functionality, highlighting the careful regulatory tightrope Apple walks with in-car features. This new AirPlay-based video support represents Apple’s official, approved solution that adheres to safety standards.
Practical Use Cases: Passing the Time While Idling
While you won’t be watching movies during your commute, the parked video feature offers practical benefits. It provides a useful way to pass the time while waiting in a parking lot, picking someone up, or perhaps most relevant for modern vehicles, during electric vehicle charging sessions. The dashboard screen becomes an entertainment hub when the car is stationary.
Beyond Video: Other CarPlay Enhancements
Alongside video playback, CarPlay is receiving other updates in iOS 26. These include refinements to the “Liquid Glass” user interface, a key visual element across Apple’s operating systems. Some vehicles will also gain Smart Display Zoom, allowing drivers to customize screen layouts. Additional enhancements aimed at reducing driver distraction include:
Smaller app-launching widgets
A reduced-size call screen that won’t block navigation directions
- The ability to curb Live Activity alerts while driving
- <a href="https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/12/applecarplayvideo/”>www.theregister.com
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- www.torquenews.com
- <a href="https://www.theregister.com/AMP/2025/06/13/ymtcmicrondefamation_lawsuit/”>www.theregister.com
These updates collectively aim to make CarPlay safer and more functional, both when driving and when taking a break.
