iOS 26 CarPlay Video Playback – Feature Confirmed but Limited
Apple is set to roll out iOS 26 CarPlay video playback next month, introducing one of the most requested features for its in-car infotainment platform. For the first time, CarPlay will officially allow apps to play videos directly on the dashboard screen — but there’s an important limitation.
📌 Exploring More Than Just iOS 26 CarPlay?
Check out these expert Apple resources:
- 📱 Best Phones 2025 – Flagship, mid-range, and budget picks
- 🛍️ iPhone Price List Philippines 2025 – All Models & Variants
- 📘 Smartphone Buying Guide for Filipinos 2025
Video Playback Comes with a Catch
With iOS 26, compatible apps can display videos on the CarPlay screen, but only when the car is parked. Even then, there’s another hurdle — automakers must explicitly enable this function. Without manufacturer approval, video playback won’t be available, and rollout timing could vary significantly by brand.
CarPlay Upgrades Without Restrictions
Alongside video playback, iOS 26 CarPlay is also receiving:
- Redesigned icons and new appearance themes
- Support for widgets on the dashboard interface
- Improved Apple Music and Messages integration
These visual and functional updates don’t require carmaker involvement, meaning all compatible vehicles should receive them once iOS 26 launches in September.
CarPlay Ultra Expansion Plans
Apple’s more advanced CarPlay Ultra system, first announced in May with Aston Martin, is expected to expand to Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, Genesis, Ford, Nissan, Infiniti, Jaguar, and Honda. However, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Polestar, Renault, and GM have opted out — at least for now.
📚 Related Smartphone Insights & Expert Picks
- 🎧 Best Headphones & Wireless Earbuds 2025 – Compare the best headphones and TWS earbuds across use cases, price segments, and audio features.
- 🎮 Best Gaming Phones 2025 – Check out the most powerful smartphones optimized for smooth gameplay and high frame rates.
- 🏆 Best Tablets 2025 – Flagships, Midrange & Student Picks – Explore the top tablets across price tiers for all types of users.
- 🧭 Tablet Buying Guide Hub – Screen, Chipset, Battery, Budget – Learn how to choose the right tablet based on use case and spec priorities.
- 🏷️ Tablet Price List Philippines – 2025 Update – Check the latest SRPs and compare tablet prices by brand, size, and chipset.
- 📖 Best Foldable Phones 2025 – Prices & Reviews in the Philippines – Foldable innovation meets performance; explore the best options available now.
- 📱 Best Phone Brands in the Philippines 2025 – Discover the top-performing smartphone brands trusted by Filipino users this year.
- 🎥 Best Phones for Content Creators 2025 – Ideal picks for vlogging, mobile editing, photography, and livestreaming.
