Google Maps Rival Sygic Gets iOS 26 Makeover – And It Looks Great on CarPlay

Apple’s iOS 26 rollout has brought one of the boldest redesigns in years. With the new Liquid Glass UI, transparency and blur dominate the iPhone experience, giving some users déjà vu from the Windows Vista days. While reactions are mixed, one thing is clear: app developers must adapt quickly to ensure their apps feel at home in the new environment.

One of the first to act is Sygic, the popular navigation app and long-time competitor to Google Maps and Waze. The company has just released version 25.3.2, introducing visual and interface upgrades specifically designed for iOS 26.

Sygic’s New Look on iOS 26

The refreshed Sygic app now sports:

• Updated buttons with Apple’s new design language.

• Cleaner, modernized UI elements.

• A dynamic app icon that adapts to your iPhone’s system settings.

Unlike Apple’s own apps, which have divided opinion, Sygic seems to have taken only the best parts of iOS 26’s design. The result is a slick, consistent look that actually makes the app stand out.

Why It Matters for CarPlay Users

Sygic isn’t just about looks. The app works seamlessly with Apple CarPlay, meaning drivers who update to iOS 26 will also see the new design reflected on their in-car display. With Apple’s updated CarPlay dashboard introducing new icons and widget support, navigation apps like Sygic are under pressure to match the aesthetic.

At this stage, Sygic hasn’t added widgets, but its iOS 26 makeover ensures a smooth and modern experience for CarPlay drivers.

Features That Compete With Google Maps

Sygic continues to stand out with:

• Offline maps (great for road trips without reliable data).

• Real-time traffic updates.

• Voice navigation.

• Points of interest (POIs).

• Wrong-way driver warnings for added safety.

The main trade-off? Sygic is subscription-based. Unlike Google Maps and Waze, you’ll need to pay to unlock full features. However, there’s a free trial if you want to test it before committing.

Final Thoughts

Apple may be reinventing the iPhone with iOS 26, but apps like Sygic prove that not everything about the update has to be controversial. For drivers, the changes mean a cleaner, more consistent CarPlay experience—and a real alternative to Google Maps.

👉 If your car doesn’t yet support CarPlay, check out our Apple CarPlay retrofit modules and bring the latest navigation experience, including Sygic’s iOS 26 redesign, to your dashboard.