One of the best streaming apps is being added to Apple CarPlay
Published on Feb 19, 2026 at 11:41 AM (UTC-5)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Feb 20, 2026 at 3:02 AM (UTC-5)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Apple is finally adding Apple TV to CarPlay, and people will need a moment to ask one inevitable question.
A lot of people assumed it was already part of CarPlay, but it wasn’t.
There are a couple of things worth noting, though.
Including a major caveat.
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Apple TV is now available, but with a catch
Apple TV is coming to CarPlay with the iOS 26.4 update.
The reason why Apple waited so long to add it to the roster is simple.
The tech giant simply wanted to prevent distractions for drivers.
Understandable, but this seemed like a pretty easy hurdle to overcome.
All they had to do was make it a park-only feature, which they did.
You can only watch videos when the car is in Park.
If you try to drive, the screen will either go black or switch to an audio-only mode.
That’s the first catch, but not the main one.
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It’s up to the manufacturer
There are a lot of things to consider.
For example, it remains to be seen whether (and how) Apple TV works on every vehicle compatible with CarPlay.
That’s because a high-quality video is a lot more demanding than a map, and so it may only work on newer vehicles with faster infotainment processors.
But the main caveat is that car manufacturers have to ‘opt-in’ and update their own software to allow video playback.
In other words, Apple is creating the groundwork to make the app compatible with your car.
But that’s only going to work if/when automakers update their infotainment systems.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
