CarPlay

According to a new report from Bloomberg, Tesla is still working on adding CarPlay integration to its cars. The automaker, however, reportedly hit “a few hurdles” that it had to ask Apple to fix.

Qobuz, a popular hi-res music streaming service, is out with an all-new CarPlay app this week. The company touts that new CarPlay app offers a “a more robust and streamlined listening experience.”

When Apple moved the iPhone to USB-C, it left behind more than just the Lightning port. New iPhone comes with a USB-C charging cable, but many cars still use USB-A ports for CarPlay. That’s created a gap for drivers: no first-party cable to connect a USB-C iPhone to a USB-A car.

Apple’s official workaround is a $29 USB-C to Lightning adapter. Beats, an Apple brand, offers this USB-A to USB-C cable for half the price that is effectively the official solution for using CarPlay with USB-C iPhones.

Like many people, Apple CarPlay is a must-have feature for me. Having quick access to key iPhone apps via my car’s screen is incredibly convenient. Here are three of my favorite recent CarPlay features.

When Apple previewed “next-generation CarPlay” in 2022, it felt like Apple froze development of the CarPlay version actually used by drivers. Eventually, next-gen CarPlay became CarPlay Ultra, and CarPlay for non-Aston Martin drivers rapidly started to see new improvements again. Now it sounds like that trend will continue either before or as part of iOS 27.

Apple made a major U-turn with CarPlay after a decade of not allowing video playback. Starting with iOS 26, Apple technically allows apps to display video through the CarPlay screen while parked.

While AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini feature conversational voice mode, the apps don’t exactly work well with Apple CarPlay. That will soon change, it appears, with an upcoming iOS software update.

CarPlay is an excellent Apple feature that brings communication and entertainment apps from your iPhone to the built-in screen in your car. Just install supported apps on your iPhone, then they automatically appear on your CarPlay display when you’re connected. Read on for our massive list of iPhone apps that work with CarPlay.

While Tesla may be the last automaker anyone expected to consider CarPlay, there’s an even more unlikely vehicle maker that could adopt Apple’s infotainment feature in the future.

Last November, Bloomberg broke the news that Tesla was working on CarPlay support, a dramatic shift in policy for Elon Musk’s company.

Here’s the latest on what we know about Tesla’s plans to support CarPlay.

Apple officially launched CarPlay Ultra last year, but only for Aston Martin vehicles. It’s the next-generation version of CarPlay that the company first teased at WWDC 2022 with a revamped design and deeper integration with the car itself.

Today, a new report from Bloomberg reveals that CarPlay Ultra will come to at least one major new car later this year …

Rivian’s opposition to CarPlay is well-documented, with CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizing the automaker’s focus on creating a native and integrated infotainment experience.

In a new interview with Kara Swisher this week, Scaringe once again reiterated those thoughts, while simultaneously touting a “great working relationship with Apple.”

Volvo is doubling down on its commitment to CarPlay, according to Anders Bell, the company’s chief engineering and technology officer. In an interview with The Drive this week, Bell promised that Volvo will “absolutely” continue to offer CarPlay and Android Auto in its cars, including EVs.

Pioneer was first to bring Apple CarPlay to existing cars in 2014, and now the company is pulling off another CarPlay first.

iOS 26.2 is the latest iPhone update, with excellent new features for Reminders, Podcasts, and Apple Music. There are also a couple key CarPlay changes in iOS 26.2, here’s what’s new.

Earlier this year, Apple officially announced CarPlay Ultra, the next-generation version of CarPlay that it first teased way back at WWDC 2022.

CarPlay Ultra began rolling out in May to Aston Martin owners in the United States and Canada. What about other automakers? Here’s what we know.

Ford has once again signaled its continued commitment to supporting CarPlay. Speaking at a conference this month, Ford CFO Sherry House confirmed that the company is “passionate” about giving drivers the option to use CarPlay alongside other in-car systems.

CarPlay is widely available across most vehicles, with Tesla and Rivian among the most prominent holdouts. Now, Tesla is rumored to be adding support, and in a new interview Rivian’s CEO addressed criticism about its CarPlay stance.

iOS 26.2 is officially here with exciting updates for Reminders, Apple Music, Podcasts, and more. There’s also a key enhancement for CarPlay widgets in iOS 26.2—but whether you benefit or not is entirely dependent on your vehicle.