Apple’s long-standing policy of blocking video playback on CarPlay displays is getting a rethink in iOS 26. For over a decade, CarPlay has focused squarely on navigation, communication, and audio content, keeping video firmly off-limits to avoid driver distraction. But at WWDC 2025, Apple quietly introduced a “video in the car” category on its developer site that signals a shift: with iOS 26, users will be able to AirPlay videos from their iPhones onto their CarPlay screens—albeit only when parked. While this update won’t magically unlock video playback in every vehicle overnight, it marks a notable change in Apple’s approach to in-car entertainment within its walled-garden ecosystem.

CarPlay debuted in 2014 with the explicit goal of minimizing distractions: turn-by-turn directions, voice-driven messaging, and audio apps were welcome, but video was off the table. For many drivers, however, having some form of in-car video while charging an electric vehicle or waiting for a rendezvous has become a “nice to have.” Tesla, Rivian, and other EV makers long ago added built-in video streaming for parked vehicles, and Android-based infotainment systems in vehicles often include native YouTube or other streaming apps accessible when stationary. Against this backdrop, Apple’s insistence on blocking video felt increasingly out of step with broader trends in connected cars. Allowing AirPlay video in CarPlay provides a way for Apple to participate in that space without building its own streaming apps or services into CarPlay itself.

At its core, Apple’s decision reflects balancing user expectations with safety and automaker partnerships. By restricting playback strictly to when the vehicle is parked, Apple aims to uphold its safety posture. The developer documentation even specifies: “AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving.” This language makes clear that playback must detect or assume a stationary state—though the exact mechanism (e.g., requiring the parking brake engaged, speed sensors, or manual confirmation) will likely be left to automakers’ implementations.

Under the “video in the car” umbrella, Apple invites automakers and app developers to integrate CarPlay with AirPlay video support by joining its MFi Program. Automakers need to explicitly enable this capability in the vehicle’s infotainment firmware, so even if your iPhone is running iOS 26, you won’t be able to watch videos until your car model updates its CarPlay integration. Given the cautious nature of many manufacturers, rollout will be gradual. Automakers must ensure that the playback environment is safe (i.e., completely disabled when the car is in motion) and that Apple’s protocols for screen control don’t conflict with their own systems.

Historically, automakers have been wary of ceding too much screen control to third parties. CarPlay Ultra, Apple’s advanced integration that extends CarPlay onto instrument clusters and deeper vehicle functions, is currently only adopted by Aston Martin, illustrating how selective manufacturers can be when it comes to deeper Apple integrations. With video playback, even if the feature is “only” active when parked, manufacturers will want to vet the user experience: ensuring that audio routing, screen resolution, and content controls meet their quality and safety standards. The fact that AirPlay already supports robust streaming protocols may mitigate some concerns, but automakers typically conduct lengthy in-house testing before shipping updates.

From the developer side, since AirPlay handles the streaming, apps that already support video playback need not add bespoke CarPlay-specific code beyond ensuring video content can cast via AirPlay. But Apple may offer guidelines or APIs to help developers detect the “parked” context or to present “resume playback” prompts once parked. Developers building video apps (e.g., streaming services) can benefit by reaching users in the CarPlay environment without building native CarPlay apps themselves, though they may still wish to refine UI for the larger display, subtitle options, or remote control behaviors. Apple’s CarPlay documentation and WWDC sessions on CarPlay in iOS 26 likely cover best practices for developers to optimize the experience when streaming to a stationary vehicle display.

Safety advocates emphasize that restricting video strictly to parked situations is essential. Ideally, the system should detect speed or gear state automatically; however, some implementations may simply require user confirmation (“Are you parked and want to watch video?”) or a combination of signals. Car manufacturers often integrate CarPlay such that the infotainment system senses vehicle speed and disables disallowed features above a threshold. Even so, edge cases exist—rolling stops in driveways, brief coasting, or manual overrides—so robust safeguards will be critical. Apple has a long history of prioritizing safety, and this feature’s “parked only” caveat aligns with principles seen in Do Not Disturb While Driving and minimized notification UIs.

One could imagine future additions: perhaps a picture-in-picture view for rear-seat passengers on separate screens, or parental controls preventing front-seat video even when parked. However, Apple’s initial rollout seems conservative: AirPlay video simply extends to CarPlay displays when parked. Over time, feedback from automakers, developers, and safety regulators might shape enhancements or stricter guardrails.

Even before Apple’s announcement, many vehicles—especially EVs—offered video streaming apps accessible while parked. Tesla’s Theater mode supports Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. Rivian, Lucid, and infotainment systems powered by Android Automotive OS often include built-in streaming apps, playable during charging or idle periods. Luxury brands sometimes include seatback or headrest entertainment for rear passengers. Against this backdrop, Apple’s move integrates a familiar video source—the user’s iPhone—into CarPlay. Rather than competing with in-car platforms, AirPlay video leverages existing hardware and the vast library of iPhone apps.

For drivers with older vehicles lacking native streaming, using their iPhone to cast video when parked could be appealing, provided aftermarket infotainment updates support it. Third-party CarPlay adapters and jailbreak tweaks have already enabled unauthorized video playback, but these methods often sacrifice reliability, violate warranties, or face legal gray areas. Apple’s official support will offer a more seamless, safe, and Apple-sanctioned path.

iOS 26 beta is now with developers, and the full release typically arrives alongside the iPhone launch in September 2025. Even after iOS 26 ships, the availability of CarPlay AirPlay video depends on vehicle firmware updates. Some manufacturers may promise support in late 2025 models, while others might hold off until safety assessments conclude. Enthusiasts should watch for announcements from their car brands about CarPlay updates. In many cases, updates may arrive via over-the-air firmware upgrades for newer infotainment systems; older vehicles may not receive support if hardware limitations prevent reliable AirPlay video streaming (e.g., insufficient processing power or outdated OS). As always, check with your automaker or dealer for compatibility details once Apple and automakers finalize implementations.

Apple’s decision to allow video in CarPlay signals a broader willingness to enrich in-car experiences, even if constrained by safety-first restrictions. As CarPlay continues evolving—with richer widget support, Live Activities, deeper vehicle integration via CarPlay Ultra, and now AirPlay video—Apple is positioning its ecosystem at the heart of future automotive infotainment. For users, the promise of streaming video from a familiar iPhone to a car display when parked offers convenience and a more unified entertainment experience. For automakers, balancing this demand against safety and brand control remains paramount. Ultimately, when iOS 26 rolls out fully and more vehicles unlock this feature, drivers may find CarPlay a more versatile companion—provided they only press play when it’s safe and legal to do so.