Apple announced iOS 26, and the upcoming software update includes several new features and changes for CarPlay in vehicles. Liquid Glass Design: When you are using CarPlay with an iPhone running iOS 26, the new Liquid Glass design extends to the CarPlay interface. Like on the iPhone, the new look includes more shimmery app icons and translucent user interface elements. New Messages App Features: Starting with iOS 26, you can respond to messages with standard Tapbacks like a heart, thumbs up, or exclamation marks directly through CarPlay. Plus, you can now view your pinned conversations in the Messages app on CarPlay. Compact View for Phone Calls: CarPlay has a new compact view for incoming phone calls, so that you can still see other information on the screen, such as turn-by-turn directions. Live Activities: CarPlay’s Dashboard screen can now show Live Activities, letting you keep track of things like a flight’s arrival time at a glance. Widgets: The regular version of CarPlay now has a customizable widgets screen, for things like calendar appointments and HomeKit accessory controls.