Apple has finally added video playback to CarPlay. It’s all part of the iOS 27 update announced at WWDC 2026, and yes, it does exactly what you think it does: lets you watch video on your car’s display when parked.
There are actually two ways this works. First, AirPlay support will allow compatible apps on your iPhone to stream video directly to the CarPlay screen. Second, Apple is opening the door for developers to build native CarPlay video apps – meaning you’ll be able to browse and launch content directly in the car interface.
In practice, that could bring Apple TV-style experiences into the cabin, turning charging stops or airport waits into something slightly less soul-destroying.
But there’s a catch. Apple says video in CarPlay will only work in “new cars that support the video in car feature”. Translation: your current CarPlay set-up almost certainly isn’t invited to this party.
The requirement appears to be hardware-based, with AirPlay support in the vehicle acting as the key gatekeeper. So while your phone might be ready, your dashboard may not be.
It’s a familiar Apple move: the software arrives first, then the industry slowly catches up with the hardware to actually use it.
There are a few other additions worth noting too. Audio-only mode means you can switch from watching content to just listening to it seamlessly, and there’s also a smarter Siri – now branded “Siri AI” – which can pull context from messages and emails to answer questions hands-free, although it’s currently limited to newer iPhones and not available in the EU due to regulatory restrictions.
Elsewhere, Apple is polishing the everyday experience with audio scrubbing, a new mini-player for music and podcasts, and improved navigation reliability.
Parallels are being drawn with the recent upgrades to Google’s Android Auto. This added video playback support, improved UI and AI assistant features via Gemini – plus Dolby Atmos integration in supported vehicles. The end result is the same direction of travel on both sides: more media, more intelligence, more reasons to sit in the car a bit longer than strictly necessary.
Apple, though, seems more cautious about where it all lands. Video stays parked. The car still isn’t your cinema. At least, not yet.
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