iOS 27.2 has two CarPlay improvements, here’s what’s new

iOS 27.2 arrived this week with new features for Messages, Apple TV, and more, plus two improvements for CarPlay. Here’s what’s new for CarPlay users.

#1: Apple Podcasts adds sections for New Episodes and Continue Playing

Apple Podcasts in iOS 27.2 adds two new sections to the Home tab: ‘New Episodes’ and ‘Continue Playing.’

Essentially, Apple has rethought how the core ‘Up Next’ queue of its Podcasts app works.

Like you would expect, ‘New Episodes’ contains only the latest episodes from your favorite shows. But after you’ve started an episode, you’ll find it in the ‘Continue Playing’ row just below.

This overhaul to podcast management makes it easier to find the latest episodes of your shows and also pick up where you previously left off. I’m a big fan of the change.

#2: Siri AI upgrades

Siri AI introduces a variety of upgrades in iOS 27.2, including two that carry over to CarPlay as well.

Per Apple’s release notes:

• Siri AI can recall your past conversations, so you can ask Siri about something it told you before, like the restaurants it recommended last week
• Siri AI can draw from more sources to give you a great answer, including photos attached in Messages, Calendar event attendees, your voicemails, and better results from Safari history and Reading List

It can take some adjustment to remember that Siri AI is available in the car just like on iPhone. But CarPlay is an especially useful platform for Apple’s more powerful assistant.

Bonus: Apple Music’s new app icon and design tweaks

It’s arguable whether this qualifies as an “improvement,” but it is a change worth mentioning. iOS 27.2 includes a new app icon for Apple Music, plus some minor design tweaks in the app.

These changes are related to the total rebrand Apple Music unveiled just last week.

For more new features in CarPlay that recently arrived in iOS 27, see our coverage here.

What are your favorite recent changes in CarPlay? Let us know in the comments.

Best CarPlay accessories

• In-car charger with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
• MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
• 10-foot iPhone cable USB-C to USB-A
• AirTag 2 for tracking your car (1-pack / 4-pack)