Apple is preparing to roll out a new update that will allow CarPlay users to stream video content directly through their car’s infotainment system. The feature, currently in beta as part of iOS 26.4, will enable drivers to watch videos via AirPlay while parked, a capability first previewed at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025.
Expanding CarPlay Features
The update is part of a broader effort to enhance CarPlay’s functionality, which also includes the introduction of configurable home screen widgets similar to those found on iPhone, and the Liquid Glass interface redesign. The more advanced CarPlay Ultra version, currently exclusive to Aston Martin vehicles, showcases the potential of this evolving platform.
Streaming Services Integration
Apple intends to integrate its own Apple TV app into CarPlay, with Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and YouTube expected to follow suit. This move positions CarPlay as a more comprehensive entertainment hub for drivers, though the feature will initially be limited to devices compatible with the latest iOS software.
Competitive Landscape
The addition of video streaming differentiates CarPlay from Android Auto, which currently lacks this functionality. While some automakers, such as Tesla and Kia, offer streaming apps natively, these often require separate paid subscriptions.
The introduction of video streaming in CarPlay underscores Apple’s ambition to transform the in-car experience into a seamless extension of its broader ecosystem. The feature is currently in beta and may be released incrementally with future iOS updates, potentially as early as June.
