New iOS 26 Apple CarPlay setting is turned off by default but could make huge difference if you switch it on
Published on Sep 24, 2025 at 10:21 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Sep 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The new iOS 26 Apple CarPlay has a very handy feature, but it’s not enabled by default, so you’ll need to switch it on.
Apple recently launched its latest range of handsets, with the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air.
Alongside new hardware, the tech giant has also released its latest operating system: iOS 26.
And it includes a very useful update for CarPlay that might make life a lot easier for drivers.
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New iOS 26 Apple CarPlay feature could make life easier for users
As with any new Apple operating system, iOS 26 comes with a bunch of new features, as well as its new ‘Liquid Glass’ display.
However, one of its more useful-sounding features is actually disabled by default, so you’ll need to switch it on if you fancy making use of it.
For the first time, Apple CarPlay has introduced a Smart Display Zoom option, which allows it to adapt better to the shape and size of in-car screens.
So what exactly does this mean for drivers?
“Vehicle screens come in many shapes and sizes,” Apple explained in a video.
“In iOS 26, some screen configurations allow drivers to adjust their display scale with Smart Display Zoom configurable within Settings in CarPlay.
“When Smart Display Zoom is enabled, your CarPlay app will be automatically resized to the new display scale.”
As we mentioned, it’s not a default option for most cars, so you’ll need to toggle it on, and unfortunately, at least for now, it’s not available on all cars.
When in use, you’ll notice that your screen appears larger and widgets, maps, and more will be zoomed out.
What else can you expect from the new iOS 26?
The new iOS 26 Apple CarPlay also has a slew of new updates, including a new view for incoming calls, which allows you to see who’s calling without blocking any important information like upcoming directions.
The new operating system also comes with Tapbacks, so you can quickly send a ‘thumbs-up’ or ‘heart’ in response to messages.
Apple is also introducing a Live Activities function, which will allow you to use Maps while also keeping an eye on other activities as they happen.
For example, if you’re driving to the airport to pick up a pal, you can use Maps while being able to track their flight in real time.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
