This new Apple CarPlay setting is turned off by default but will make a huge difference if you switch it on

If you use Apple CarPlay, iOS 26 has a new feature that’s disabled by default – and it may be worth switching on.

Apple CarPlay is one of the most popular features of the Apple software suite, and the most recent version uses iOS 26, which is currently used on the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air.

CarPlay already has some very useful features, but this one in particular is a real standout for the infotainment software.

But as it is turned off by default, many Apple users might not even know it exists.

DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars

This is the feature Apple CarPlay has turned off by default

A bunch of new features were added to the iOS 26 software, including the very cool ‘Liquid Glass’ display.

But the feature disabled by default is actually one of the fanciest that the software uses.

This feature is called the Smart Display Zoom option.

It might not sound the most exciting, but its name belies how useful it really is.

This new bit of software allows CarPlay to better adapt to the shape and size of in-car screens.

This is how the new feature works

We have all probably seen various-sized screens in a wide variety of cars.

“Vehicle screens come in many shapes and sizes,” Apple itself said.

The feature means iOS 26 users can adjust the display scale of the screen via settings within CarPlay.

However, the new feature is disabled by default.

Plus, it is currently not available on all cars that use the infotainment software.

But it is one that users should definitely enable.

Click the star icon next to supercarblondie.com in Google Search to stay ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest supercars, hypercars, and ground-breaking technology

Why the feature is worth turning on

With the software enabled, CarPlay will automatically resize to the new display scale.

Drivers or passengers will not have to touch it at all.

They can relax as the screen adjusts on its own.

Having it turned on also means everything on the screen displays as well as it possibly can.

There is nothing worse than things on a screen, be it a phone, computer, or in-car screen, with a ‘janky’ display.

The screen itself will appear larger, while widgets and maps will be zoomed out and fit much better.

iOS 26 really does look to have moved the goal posts slightly with in-car infotainment.

A new view for incoming calls was added, which shows who is calling without blocking navigation.

A new Tapback feature allows you to send heart or thumbs up responses to text messages to quickly acknowledge them.

These might seem like small things, but it is features like these that can make a big difference.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie