Apple iOS 26: Features, Changes, and New CarPlay Upgrades

You will experience the new iOS 26 update, featuring significant CarPlay enhancements in 2025. You can also experience the best version of CarPlay, the CarPlay Ultra, with advanced customization options. According to Bloomberg, Apple is going to release iOS 26 this year.

The WWDC began on June 9 with the iOS 26 update and released the iOS 26 beta version. While iOS 18 brought useful features like messaging, RCS, and Apple Intelligence to all Apple devices, we are excited to see what has been included in the iOS 26 update.

What's New in iOS 26 for iPhones and other devices?

This time, with iOS 26 version, Apple brings you amazing experiences with different features to all iPhones, iPads, Macs, TVs, and watches. Here are the main features.

1. The camera app is redesigned to resemble Apple's VisionOS.
2. Siri changes to respond quickly to any request.
3. Messages upgrade to support automatic translations.
4. Wi-Fi was upgraded to connect easily with a public network.
5. AI-powered battery management tools integration.

What’s New in iOS 26 for CarPlay?

With the release of iOS 26, all Apple CarPlay users will benefit from two enhancements that come with the new iOS version for both drivers and passengers.

iOS 26 CarPlay features include support for large text that has long existed on Apple mobiles, and Apple has expanded the sound recognition feature for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

• You can adjust background sound settings with customizations using the new EQ settings.
• Keyboard typing features have improved on the iPhone with fewer steps.
• The personal voice cut upgraded to 10 phrases.
• Head tracking allows you to control your mobile and iPad with only head movements.
• Music apps have been updated to add more customizations.
• Live captions with support for system integration.

What’s new for Cartube/ Video Streaming on iOS 26?

In iOS 26, Live activities on CarPlay allow users to find real-time updates on the Car dashboard. In addition, with Liquid Glass UI, the CarPlay interface has been redesigned for smoother transitions between apps. Side dock icons, general app menu UI, and multitouch are coming to the new CarPlay.

CarPlay Ultra will extend to an additional screen (instrument cluster display), also providing you with different instrument display designs. Shortly, you will be able to play YouTube and Netflix on CarPlay as default apps, as Apple plans to give a next-level experience on video streaming on CarPlay Ultra.

How to Connect CarPlay on iOS 26?

If you are an iPhone user, you can experience more features in your car with a few steps. But the main thing you should confirm first is car compatibility. If your car is compatible with iOS 26, you can connect to CarPlay via a wireless connection or a wired connection.

After you connect, you can use your favorite mobile apps on CarPlay. You cannot use video streaming apps on CarPlay yet because they are not supported on CarPlay by default. Now let's see how to watch videos on CarPlay.

Add YouTube to Apple CarPlay with iOS 26

Adding streaming apps such as YouTube or Netflix to Apple CarPlay is easy with different software and hardware solutions. However, Apple has restricted the use of streaming platforms on CarPlay. Let's see how to solve these problems using alternative ways.

Hardware Solutions

• Carlinkit AI Box
• Ottocast AI Box

Software solutions

• Cartube iOS

Top Alternatives for Watching YouTube on CarPlay

With your wireless Apple CarPlay, you can choose apps or alternative hardware solutions to stream YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms.

Carlinkit AI Box

Carlinkit AI Box is one of the best Apple CarPlay wireless adapters for streaming videos on CarPlay. This can be connected wirelessly or using USB cables.

Features

• Compatible with iOS 10–iOS 26
• Compatible with Android 11 and above devices.
• Built-in Android Auto
• Easy to set up
• It is also compatible with iPhone 6S and iPhone 16.
• Support 4G Network
• You can download free audiobook apps
• Budget-friendly
• USB cables available
• Seamless automatic connection.

Ottocast AI Box

Ottocast AI Box is a feature-rich product for watching Netflix, YouTube, and any video on CarPlay. Without jailbreaking or rooting your mobile devices, you can play YouTube while your car is parked.

Features

• iPhone and Android users can use this tool (Android 14 or above).
• Compatible with iPhones newer than iPhone 6
• Watch Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more.
• In-built Android Auto
• Multiple screens available
• It has a hassle-free installation process.
• It supports music apps such as Spotify and Pandora.
• A stable internet connection is required.

Now, let's look at the differences between the CarPlay AI Box and the Ottocast AI Box.

How to set up for Hardware Solutions (Step Guide)

• Plug the Carlinkit AI Box into CarPlay with a USB cable
• Now connect your mobile to AI Box via Bluetooth
• Then click the “Autokit” icon on CarPlay to get connected with CarPlay
• Now you can see the “App Menu.”
• Choose YouTube and click the icon to add any app to CarPlay through the App Menu to stream videos.

Carlinkit Ai Box vs Ottocast AI Box

Advantages of Hardware Solutions

• Easy to connect
• Affordable for the features offered.
• Supports over 98% of cars
• Can add CarPlay apps and Android apps
• Some solutions come with different extra packages
• Best products to buy during seasonal offers
• Best option for users who don't prefer jailbreaking or rooting.

Cartube iOS

The Cartube app is among the most famous apps in 2025 for watching YouTube videos on Apple CarPlay. As it's a free application, you can easily install the Cartube app. And the best thing is this app doesn't require jailbreaking.

Normally, to modify CarPlay and add apps that don't come by default, you need a jailbroken device. Now it's easy to play YouTube on CarPlay without jailbreaking your iPhone.

Cartube still only supports iOS versions earlier than iOS 15. But you can test whether it's compatible with new versions.

How to Install Cartube

Disclaimer: Downloading unofficial apps for watching YouTube on CarPlay for any purpose may damage personal data. So, we are not responsible for any damage to your device or data. Be aware of personal data before installing third-party apps.

Safety Concerns and Legal Limitations

Risk: Downloading unofficial apps for any purpose is risky because of safety issues

Safety concerns: Using third-party apps on Apple CarPlay is not legal or safe. Most third-party applications require jailbreaking, which can compromise your device and data during app installation.

Find more details about Apple CarPlay modifications before making customizations.

Official Apple CarPlay website

Legal limitations: Downloading any third-party app through jailbreaking your Apple device is not legal. Before installing, confirm whether the apps are safe.

FAQs

How to get the iOS 26 update?

1. Check the beta update > Settings > General > Software Update > Then the iOS 26 beta will appear if the profile is active. Check the storage and connection.

2. Download the iOS 26 beta version and tap on "Download and Install".

Can You Play Netflix on CarPlay with iOS 26?

The simple answer to this question is yes. But not by default. So, you can use any other hardware or software solution to watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay. For new iOS versions such as iOS 26, the best solution is to choose hardware solutions.

Does CarPlay support any iPhone?

CarPlay Ultra supports iPhone 12 or later running iOS 18.5

What are the best AI Boxes or Cartube for streaming Netflix and YouTube?

For newer mobiles and iOS versions, you can choose AI Boxes such as MMB AI Box and Carlinkit TBox.