Apple will let you play video in CarPlay with iOS 26

Apple’s days of blocking you from watching video through CarPlay appear to be coming to an end. The upcoming iOS26 update will allow people to project video from their phones onto the center display of their vehicle through AirPlay. This will enable users to “watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving,” Apple says.

The new capability, which was first noticed by MacRumors, falls under the “video in the car” category on Apple’s developer site, alongside “Automaker apps” and “car keys.” The company invites automakers and developers who are “interested in supporting CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, AirPlay video, or car keys in your vehicle system” to join its MFi Program.

Apple says that automakers will need to add support for CarPlay with AirPlay video, so it won’t be available to everyone right away. Most automakers are a little risk-averse when approaching new tech that has the potential to be a distraction from driving, so they’re likely pushing for assurances that videos can only be played while the vehicle is parked. They’re also wary about handing over too much control of their screens to Apple, which is why Aston Martin is the only automaker that has come out in support of the company’s new CarPlay Ultra.

A spokesperson for Apple didn’t immediately respond to questions about automaker support or hardware requirements.

A lot of vehicles, especially EVs, already offer some version of video streaming or gaming capability while parked. Some automakers, especially those with Google’s built-in Android-based operating systems, have started adding native YouTube apps to their infotainment displays. Tesla has a Theater mode that supports Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other services. Other car manufacturers with passenger or seatback screens support various video streaming services.

There have already been a number of unauthorized ways to watch video through CarPlay through third-party adapters or jailbreak tweaks.