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Two new Apple CarPlay features are coming in December with the iOS 26.2 update

Published on Dec 09, 2025 at 9:21 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 at 9:21 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Claire Reid

Apple CarPlay users can expect a couple of interesting changes later this month as iOS 26.2 is set to roll out with some updates.

Apple launched its updated iOS 26 operating system alongside the new iPhone 17 range.

As well as making some big changes to how iPhones work, the upgraded iOS also brought some cool new features to Apple CarPlay. 

CarPlay updates for iOS 26 included a Smart Display Zoom feature, Dark Mode, and the ability to adjust the volume of its voice prompt, without it messing with your music levels. 

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Two handy new Apple CarPlay features will roll out this month

Although Apple has now officially released its all-new CarPlay Ultra, the company has made it clear that it won’t neglecting its standard CarPlay offering. 

As ever with its operating systems, the company regularly introduces updates, which come with important bug fixes, new features, and security updates. 

Apple CarPlay users can expect a couple of interesting changes later this month as iOS 26.2 is set to roll out with some updates
Apple

Just weeks after launching iOS 26, Apple released 26.1. 

This month, the tech giant is gearing up to roll out iOS 26.2, and it comes with a couple of new features that could be a big help for CarPlay users. 

So what’s new? 

Well, for the first time, you’ll be able to unpin messages using the CarPlay infotainment display, rather than having to use your iPhone.

The pinned message function lets iPhone owners push certain important conversations in Messages to the top of the screen, but this can now be easily switched off in CarPlay.

Alongside the ability to unpin messages, iOS 26.2 will also allow users to add more widgets. 

Apple CarPlay users can expect a couple of interesting changes later this month as iOS 26.2 is set to roll out with some updates
Apple

Previously, CarPlay would only show two widgets side-by-side on the display, but journalist Tom Warren recently noticed that the updated operating system allows three.

The updated operating system can be downloaded by anyone who has an iPhone 11 or newer.

Several carmakers have signed up to CarPlay Ultra

Earlier this year, Apple announced its fancy new CarPlay Ultra, as part of an exclusive deal with Aston Martin. 

But in the following weeks, it seemed as though many carmakers were reluctant to get on board, with Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo all counting themselves out. 

However, after some initial hesitation several major names have signed up to the new technology, including Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and – of course – Aston Martin. 

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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.