What Apple only hinted at a year ago becomes a reality with iOS 27: In parked cars, not just individual AirPlay videos, but full-fledged video apps will run directly on the CarPlay display. This is complemented by the completely redesigned Siri and half a dozen smaller, but noticeable improvements.
CarPlay has evolved over the past two iOS generations from a simple screen mirror to a standalone platform – and iOS 27 continues this trend. The technical foundation for in-car video was laid with the CarPlay updates in iOS 26.4, where playback while parked first became a reality. At WWDC 2026, Apple revealed in a developer video and a short keynote slide the extent of the feature and what additional components will be added this fall. The focus is on dedicated video apps, a significantly more capable voice assistant, and several detailed improvements to audio and navigation.
Video apps directly on the car display
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced that videos could be watched in cars via AirPlay as long as the vehicle isn't driving – but concrete details were lacking at the time. With iOS 27, this becomes a fully realized concept. If an iPhone app plays a video that supports AirPlay streaming, the vehicle display can be selected in the iOS AirPlay menu, and the content can be played back on the screen of a compatible car.
New in iOS 27 is the ability for developers to create their own CarPlay apps with video browsing. This allows users to browse and select content directly on the CarPlay display, eliminating the need to first launch it on the iPhone. Apple highlights situations where the car is stationary – such as waiting at the airport or while an electric vehicle is charging. Video playback is available in newer, supported vehicles; manufacturers must implement the feature on their end, which is why it will likely initially be limited to newer models.
Playback only in standby mode
For safety reasons, video playback is only enabled when the vehicle is parked. Detection is based on the motion sensors of the connected iPhone: as soon as the car starts moving, playback stops automatically. Apple aims to prevent driver distraction from the outset – one reason why the function requires close integration with the vehicle's systems.
The new Siri is moving into cars
The more personalized and powerful version of the assistant, which Apple introduced as Siri AI, will also be available in CarPlay. An iPhone 15 Pro or later is required. Apple demonstrates how the new Siri will work in the car with an everyday example: While driving, you can use a voice command to find out which parking lot a friend recommended for a hike, and you'll receive the answer immediately – without having to search through messages or notes first. This brings the contextual understanding that characterizes the completely revamped Siri in iOS 27 to the car interface for the first time.
Four more improvements from the keynote
In a slide briefly shown during the WWDC keynote, Apple mentioned four additional new features for CarPlay:
Audio scrubbing in the "Playing" view allows you to skip forward and backward within a track or episode. Improved GPS accuracy with more precise navigation alignment. A mini-player for audio within apps, integrating playback controls more compactly. And a more reliable connection for wireless CarPlay, which has occasionally dropped out in many vehicles.
Requirements and schedule
All new CarPlay features require an iPhone with iOS 27. The developer beta has been available since the keynote, with a public beta expected in July. The final version is expected to be released for all users with a compatible iPhone in September. The video function remains tied to vehicles that support the feature from the manufacturer – thus, CarPlay is gradually becoming a standalone entertainment and driver assistance system. (Image: Apple)
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