4 CarPlay iOS 26 settings you must know

You possibly can’t name your self a real fan of iOS 26 till you’ve got toyed round with all the assorted options that Apple’s latest update has dropped at the CarPlay platform. From increasing the brand new Liquid Glass look to creating even more apps user-friendly, iOS 26 brings with it the largest adjustments to CarPlay that we have seen but. At one level, I’d even say that CarPlay was useless within the water as producers began to catch up within the infotainment area, however that is not the case.

I have been vocal about the truth that the brand new options even have me excited about using the platform again, however numerous that comes right down to what particular settings you’ll be able to manipulate. For example, if you wish to know the way I bought my CarPlay to showcase that clear, darkish mode look or for those who’re interested in simply how way more productive CarPlay could make you as a consumer, there is a characteristic only for you.

Darkish mode is the way in which to go

Absolutely the very first thing I did after downloading iOS 26

Whether or not you are like me and love that crisp, darkish look, otherwise you’re all in on Apple’s new liquid glass, CarPlay has you coated in iOS 26. To seek out the proper tab, navigate to the settings in your CarPlay show, faucet the app look button, and voilà. You possibly can go for that vivid and ethereal unique CarPlay show, darkish mode or totally clear icons. Personally, I like the truth that that is cohesive throughout the complete CarPlay app library. Even issues like MyRadar have undergone a major colour change, bringing a distinct vibe to my inside.

This actually works properly in case your automotive already has a darkish inside, too. The black leather-based in my automotive contrasts an excessive amount of with the unique CarPlay show, and the darkish mode possibility offers me an general extra cohesive look that I take pleasure in.

Altering your show is straightforward, too

I want we had extra choices, however beggars cannot be choosers

We nonetheless do not have the power to alter our show to a picture of our alternative, which is disappointing, to say the least, contemplating aftermarket corporations have been doing it for years now, however we do have some recent show choices to select from with the CarPlay iOS 26 replace. You probably have a darkish sprint or show like me, there is a good grayscale possibility that I am certain you’ll be able to see I chosen. Nonetheless, in case your sprint, inside colour or swap lights are of a brighter hue, these six colour pallets above ought to have you ever coated.

If none of that’s your vibe, although, there are a number of true neutrals to select from on the underside row from a modern black background, a darkish navy one, and a type of gray-purple combine that appears a bit misplaced in most vehicles to me. However hey, I do not need to yuck your yum if it occurs to be your jam. With many corporations pushing again on the first iteration of CarPlay Ultra, we may be getting images as wallpapers in a later replace, however no announcement has been made at the moment.

No extra “20 questions” for texting

Velocity up response time if Siri understands you

With my deep southern accent, this one would not essentially apply to me (which is why you’ll be able to see I’ve it turned off), however for those who communicate comparatively clearly and your Siri understands you properly, you’ll be able to subtract round 60 questions per street journey (tough estimation) for those who activate the Mechanically Ship Messages characteristic for Apple Intelligence & Siri in your CarPlay settings. I generally have textual content messages flying in from coworkers or group chats that I can not reply to by way of voice message and reply Siri’s routine questions on time, so turning this characteristic on made me a way more productive cellular voice texter.

The one situation is that my twang and Siri do not all the time get alongside, and generally I would unintentionally ship some slightly embarrassing issues to my in-laws. Oops. Chalk that one as much as consumer error, then. Here is to you and your clear voice, reader.

Rearrange your own home display apps

No have to endlessly swipe anymore

Maybe my favourite characteristic on this record is that you could now rearrange your app format in CarPlay, even for those who do should enterprise into your iPhone settings for this one. Merely go into the overall settings of your telephone, choose CarPlay, choose your automotive, then apps, and you’ll drag and drop your chosen apps freely between the anchors of Telephone, Music, Maps, Messages, Now Taking part in, and, in my case, your OEM infotainment app.

That is good for a consumer like me who has a great deal of apps put in particularly for his or her CarPlay perform, and makes the numerous sense in terms of growing usability. We have been capable of customise our residence screens for years. How on earth have we simply gained the power to customise our CarPlay shows? That thriller eludes me, however there are lots of extra options that make CarPlay a lot better for iOS 26. These are just a few of the brand new upgrades which have introduced CarPlay again into the fold of the infotainment elite.