In a significant policy shift, Apple will let iPhone users stream videos directly to their CarPlay screens for the first time since the platform’s launch. With iOS 26, showcased at WWDC25, the tech giant introduced AirPlay video functionality for CarPlay. So you can stream video from apps in the car — but only when you’re parked.
Watch videos on CarPlay screen: iOS 26 allows AirPlay streaming to CarPlay screens for first time (when parked)
For the first time since CarPlay launched in 2014, the new feature in iOS 26 — described on the developer website — will enable AirPlay wireless video streaming from iPhones to CarPlay-compatible displays.
“AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving,” Apple said. “Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car.”
But Apple will implement strict safety measures to prevent distracted driving. Video playback will only function when vehicles are stationary and parked. How? The connected iPhone automatically detects vehicle movement and terminates playback when the car begins moving.
This safety-first approach addresses longstanding concerns about driver distraction while still providing entertainment options during appropriate times. The restriction ensures compliance with traffic safety regulations while opening new possibilities for in-vehicle entertainment.
Requires automaker support
Rolling out this functionality won’t happen overnight, as vehicle manufacturers must integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video capabilities. Apple’s developer documentation indicates automakers need to specifically enable this feature in their systems. That could mean a gradual deployment across different vehicle models and brands.
The feature appears designed to work with both standard CarPlay and the premium CarPlay Ultra system. But it remains unclear whether existing vehicles will receive updates to support video streaming or if it’s limited to new cars.
Great for EV owners waiting on a charge
It’s easy to imagine the video streaming capability might thrill electric vehicle drivers most. They often spend time parked at charging stations. While waiting for their vehicles to charge, drivers and any passengers could enjoy all sorts of entertainment on the car’s infotainment screen.
So the development brings Apple’s system closer to what some automakers, like Tesla, already offer natively. Its Theater app streams content from popular platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Twitch through the vehicle’s dashboard display when parked.
No more unofficial workarounds
Previously, iPhone users seeking video playback through CarPlay had to rely on unauthorized methods, including jailbreak modifications and beta applications that bypassed Apple’s restrictions. These unofficial solutions often violated Apple’s terms of service and potentially compromised system security.
With this official implementation, users will no longer need to resort to such measures. They’ll get access to legitimate video streaming while maintaining system integrity and warranty coverage.
Broader CarPlay enhancements coming
The video streaming announcement comes alongside other planned improvements to CarPlay in iOS 26, including redesigned interface elements, expanded widget functionality, and updates to core applications like Music and Messages. These enhancements suggest Apple’s continued commitment to evolving the in-vehicle experience.
The rollout timeline and international availability may vary depending on local safety regulations and automaker implementation schedules, but the change represents a significant evolution in Apple’s approach to automotive entertainment systems.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
