Apple Quietly Prepares a Powerful New Feature for the CarPlay Dashboard

Apple CarPlay continues to evolve—and iOS 26 brings a surprising new upgrade to your dashboard.

While many expected iOS 26 to focus primarily on the next-generation CarPlay experience, Apple is quietly preparing something that current CarPlay users will love: live activity support directly on the CarPlay dashboard.

At TheCarPlayer.com, we always keep you up to date with the latest Apple CarPlay developments—and provide the best solutions to bring CarPlay to any vehicle. Whether you drive a BMW, Audi, Land Rover, or Porsche, we have the right Apple CarPlay module for your car.

Let’s dive into what’s coming in iOS 26 for CarPlay users.

What Is the CarPlay Dashboard?

Apple introduced the CarPlay dashboard in iOS 13 (2019). It was a game-changer for multitasking in the car—allowing drivers to see navigation, media playback, and active calls in a split-screen format without switching apps.

This interface broke the screen into cards (or panels), giving priority to navigation while keeping other key functions in view. Android Auto followed suit with a similar layout in its Coolwalk interface.

Now, iOS 26 is set to take the CarPlay dashboard even further.

iOS 26 Adds Live Activities to the Dashboard

In the latest iOS 26 beta, developers have spotted a new card on the CarPlay dashboard—this time showing live activity updates.

A Reddit user noticed the new feature while tracking a food delivery. The order status updated in real-time, directly on the CarPlay screen, without needing to touch the phone or refresh an app.

This is Apple’s Live Activities feature—originally introduced on iPhones for things like:

• Uber ride status

• Live sports scores

• Food delivery updates

• Workout tracking

Now, it’s making its way to your CarPlay screen.

Why This Matters for CarPlay Users

This update means you’ll be able to view real-time updates for supported apps without needing to pick up your iPhone. For example:

• See your food delivery progress while navigating

• Track your Uber or Bolt without switching apps

• Stay updated on sports scores while driving

This new feature adds real value to CarPlay by integrating more useful information into your driving experience—all hands-free.

It’s still unclear whether apps will require updates to support this new dashboard card, and Apple hasn’t released full developer documentation yet. However, more details are expected as we approach the final iOS 26 release.

What Else Is Coming with iOS 26?

In addition to live activity support, iOS 26 will introduce:

• A refreshed CarPlay design with modern icons and subtle transparency effects

• A more customizable home screen layout

• Improved widget integration

These enhancements aim to make CarPlay feel more dynamic, intuitive, and aligned with the broader iOS visual language.

Compatibility: Will Your iPhone Support It?

iOS 26 will be available for iPhones starting with the iPhone 11 and newer. However, Live Activities on CarPlay may require the iPhone 14 Pro or newer, due to its dependence on Dynamic Island-style APIs.

Want CarPlay in Your Vehicle?

At TheCarPlayer.com, we offer CarPlay upgrade kits for vehicles that didn’t come with Apple CarPlay from the factory. We support brands like:

• BMW

• Audi

• Ferrari

• Porsche

• Land Rover

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• ...and many more.

Browse our CarPlay Modules Collection and bring the latest CarPlay experience—including iOS 26 features—to your vehicle today.

Final Thoughts

iOS 26 may not be the full new-generation CarPlay overhaul Apple teased back in 2022, but it’s still a significant step forward for current users.

With live activity cards and a more modern dashboard layout, your CarPlay experience is about to get smarter, faster, and more informative—right when you need it most.

Stay tuned with TheCarPlayer.com for updates on iOS 26, CarPlay compatibility, and how to upgrade your vehicle with the latest tech.