CarPlay in iOS 26 enables AirPlay ‘video in the car’ feature for apps

Apple is making a major U-turn with CarPlay after a decade of not allowing video playback. Starting with iOS 26, Apple will allow apps to display video through the CarPlay screen while parked.

The new capability falls under the name ‘video in the car’ and is mentioned on Apple’s developer website for CarPlay:

AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite 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.

Apple points developers interested in making CarPlay apps with video playback to learn more:

If you are interested in supporting CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, AirPlay video, or car keys in your vehicle system, learn more about the MFi Program.

Back in April, a third-party app managed to get a CarPlay web browser with video playback through App Store review, but the feature was later removed.

Starting this fall, video playback while parked will be officially allowed for the first time since CarPlay arrived.

Apple is also improving CarPlay in iOS 26 with redesigned icons and appearance options, widget support, and updates to Music, Messages, and more.