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Saturday, June 14, 2025

Apple CarPlay will let you watch videos while parked

 Apple CarPlay will soon let iPhone users watch Videos while parked

For safety reasons, Apple has limited CarPlay to audio-only features until now. With iOS 26, users will be able to stream video as long as the car is parked. App developers may need to issue patches to support the feature, and compatible vehicles have yet to be confirmed. Apple announced that iPhone users will soon be able to watch videos right on the CarPlay screen in supported vehicles. With the iOS 26 update arriving soon, users can stream videos via AirPlay to the dashboards of parked vehicles. This marks a notable shift from CarPlay's traditional audio-only focus. The update also brings improvements to calls, messaging, event tracking and more for CarPlay.

iPhone users will be able to wirelessly stream videos to the CarPlay screen using AirPlay. For safety reasons, video playback will only be available when the vehicle is parked, to prevent distracted driving. The connected iPhone will be able to detect when the vehicle is in motion and end playback. Apple didn't mention the feature during its WWDC presentation, but the CarPlay section of the developer website lists it. Developers can now start enabling video streaming in CarPlay-supported apps, though Apple hasn't confirmed if any of its native apps will support the functionality.

Apple says that automakers need to add support for CarPlay with AirPlay video, so it will likely take some time to roll out. It appears that the AirPlay functionality will be available for both regular CarPlay and the higher-end CarPlay Ultra, but it is unclear if it will be enabled in any existing vehicles, or if it will be limited to new vehicles. Allowing dashboard video playback raises obvious concerns about distracted driving, but Apple's website says the feature only works when the user isn't driving. It's unclear how CarPlay will determine if a vehicle is in motion. While iPhones can auto-enable focus mode in moving cars, that system isn't foolproof. AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favourite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren't driving. Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car. AirPlay could bring CarPlay support to previously unsupported apps like Netflix or YouTube. Zoom already allows in-car audio calls, and VLC supports downloaded audio files, both may enable video playback with iOS 26. If developers adopt the feature widely, it could significantly expand CarPlay's in-dash entertainment options.

This feature would be especially beneficial in electric vehicles with CarPlay, as it would provide the driver and any passengers with entertainment while they are parked at a charging station. Some electric vehicles already offer this capability natively. Tesla, for example, has long offered a Theatre app which can play videos from apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Twitch on the dashboard screen, while the vehicle is parked. In addition, CarPlay in iOS 26 will introduce a more compact call interface, letting users see caller info without losing navigation visibility. The update also adds tap back support for quick emoji replies, new widgets for calendar and smart home controls, and Live Activities to track events like flights or sports.

Apple has not shared any further details or images for AirPlay video in the car. Availability of the feature might vary by country based on safety regulations. There were already some unapproved ways to watch videos through CarPlay, with various jailbreak tweaks and TestFlight beta apps promising to unlock such functionality. Apple will likely bring AirPlay video support to both standard CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra, its enhanced version introduced last month. Debuting in Aston Martin vehicles and coming later to other automakers, CarPlay Ultra integrates more vehicle controls into Apple's infotainment interface. Stretching across the dashboard and instrument panel screens, it handles the speedometer, fuel, climate controls, radio and more through touch or Siri voice commands.

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