Unlock the Power of iOS 26: How CarPlay Widgets Are Changing Your Drive

As Alex begins their morning commute, CarPlay immediately comes into play. Just as Alex pulls out of the driveway, traffic and weather widgets appear on the dashboard, offering essential glanceable updates to ensure a smooth journey. iOS 26 introduces widgets to Apple CarPlay, marking a significant step forward in how users interact with infotainment while driving. For the first time, CarPlay offers glanceable, real-time information from various apps, transforming the dashboard into a customisable and interactive space tailored to the driver’s needs.

Widgets on CarPlay function like those on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac but are optimised for safer, quicker views while driving. In the iPhone's Settings under General, then CarPlay, drivers can select and customize widgets for their vehicle's display. To add a widget such as the Weather app, tap the '+' icon next to available widgets, then drag it into your desired widget stack. This setup supports widget stacks, collections of up to five widgets that can rotate automatically, providing dynamic, up-to-date data without switching screens manually.

The types of widgets available in iOS 26 CarPlay are extensive. Users can add native widgets like Weather, Calendar, Messages, and Music. The update also supports widgets from any iPhone app, even if the app is not specifically designed for CarPlay. This flexibility allows drivers to bring their favourite third-party app data, such as Spotify playlists, news headlines, or smart home controls, directly onto their car’s dashboard. In fact, there are over 2,000 compatible apps, ranging from popular ones like Spotify and Google Maps to more niche applications like home automation systems. This expansive support underscores the versatility and adaptability of CarPlay for diverse user needs.

A key innovation with CarPlay widgets is the Smart Rotate feature. When enabled, it switches widget content based on the user’s context or time of day, ensuring the most relevant information is always visible. For example, in the morning, traffic and weather widgets might be prioritized, while later in the day, calendar or music widgets appear.

Widgets enhance safety by reducing the need to interact with multiple screens or pull out the iPhone for quick updates. Information is presented glanceably to minimize distractions while driving. Messages, calendar events, and other important info appear as part of the dashboard layout, lowering cognitive load.

Customization extends beyond widget selection. Users can reorder widgets, remove unwanted ones, and control widget parameters, such as choosing which calendars to display in the Up Next widget. These options create a personalized infotainment experience fitting different driving routines and preferences.

While most drivers will benefit immediately, it’s worth noting that widget availability and the number of widget stacks visible depend on the specific CarPlay implementation and screen size in their vehicle. Older CarPlay-equipped cars may show fewer widgets or limited customization.

Overall, the iOS 26 CarPlay widget features represent Apple’s commitment to making driving safer, more informed, and more enjoyable by bridging the gap between the iPhone and vehicle infotainment. Widgets bring live, essential information front and center, letting drivers keep focus on the road without missing key updates from their digital lives.

By integrating customizable widget stacks, Smart Rotate intelligence, and support for a wide range of apps, CarPlay in iOS 26 becomes a versatile companion that adapts to both daily commutes and long drives, enhancing convenience without compromising safety.

This evolution places CarPlay on par with or ahead of competing automotive infotainment platforms, signalling a new era where the car’s dashboard is more than a control panel. It is a personalized, context-aware extension of the iPhone ecosystem built for the road. CarPlay stands out as the only platform that seamlessly integrates with over 2,000 apps, providing an unmatched level of personalization and adaptability for drivers.