iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV

[MacRumors]

Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability.

The original mention of the feature appeared on Apple's CarPlay page for developers within a section specific to automakers, indicating that CarPlay with AirPlay video is something automakers will need to implement with on their end. Presumably, this is because there needs to be integration with vehicle systems to ensure that the feature can only be used while the vehicle is parked so as to hinder the potential for distracted driving.

The first iOS 26.4 beta seeded to developers today includes a number of new references to CarPlay video playback, including features like onboarding flows, notifications, and more.

Unsurprisingly, it appears that Apple TV will likely support the CarPlay video feature when it launches, as there are additional references to interacting with the TV app while using CarPlay, such as a message that would pop up informing users that they will need to subscribe to Apple TV on their iPhone while not driving if they attempt to access subscription content.

While the new code in iOS 26.4 provides evidence that Apple is moving toward launching the feature, there are no guarantees that it will ultimately become available with the public release of the update, as Apple sometimes removes code found in early betas or continues building on it in subsequent updates before the features go live. And with car manufacturers needing to add support for it on their end, it's unclear how quickly CarPlay video will roll out across various makes and models once the feature does launch.

Article Link: iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV

 

[Arran]

Use cases seem pretty niche.

 

[GuruZac]

Why does Apple do this to themselves? They need to stop showing features that are substantially delayed, not ready, or never make it market. It's become ridiculous lately.

 

[mansplains]

Why does Apple do this to themselves? They need to stop showing features that are substantially delayed, not ready, or never make it market. It's become ridiculous lately.

“Underpromise and overdeliver”

 

[McWetty]

I feel like there are so many better uses of software engineers’ time than this.

 

[platinumaqua]

If I'm already stopped and parked, why wouldn't I use the higher quality iPhone screen to watch videos instead of using the infotainment display?

 

[iSalameee]

Not a feature I’m dying to have but I can definitely see a use when my family is road tripping and we stop for a bit and my kids can watch something while we wait for food or something. Niche but could be useful.

 

[alchemistmuffin]

And with car manufacturers needing to add support for it on their end, it's unclear how quickly CarPlay video will roll out across various makes and models once the feature does launch.

And this is where it gets tricky: how far will they go in terms of model years their vehicle to update the software. Will they support it for 2020 vehicle or only limit it to 2027 models and beyond to save time and money.

And another thing, will it be OTA update or require a trip to dealership. I think this is substantial enough that for most older cars it will require trip to the dealership to change the software which will then not be cheap. Newer cars, maybe can be done via OTA.

 

[hagar]

Hopefully it works better than SharePlay in CarPlay. The entire idea there is to share playlists in a roadtrip. But as soon as a phone loses mobile connection, they’re kicked out. They should have used Bluetooth or local WiFi for this feature instead of relying on mobile connections.

 

[Radeon85]

And if it's up to car makers to implement this, how in the hell is this supposed to work with aftermarket headunits?

This should have sod all to do with car makers; this should be all on Apple.

 

[MayaUser]

Use cases seem pretty niche.

its clear meant for the vehicles with 3d screen

 

[MayaUser]

If I'm already stopped and parked, why wouldn't I use the higher quality iPhone screen to watch videos instead of using the infotainment display?

bigger display different aspect ratio and some of them are oled and good quality

 

[capamac]

Ideal car dashboard IMO:

 

[svish]

A good feature to have. Think it might be a part of iOS 27 only. Not expecting to see a fast rollout.

 

[GimmeDatApple]

Presumably, this is because there needs to be integration with vehicle systems to ensure that the feature can only be used while the vehicle is parked so as to hinder the potential for distracted driving.

Carplay already has this type of integration. It's why you can use a keyboard on Apple Maps when the car is in park, but not in any other gear.

 

[macfacts]

If I'm already stopped and parked, why wouldn't I use the higher quality iPhone screen to watch videos instead of using the infotainment display?

you mean you have to use your hands? that's a baby's toy!

 

[bluecoast]

Ok but why?

 

[subjonas]

This will be so nice to watch video on my car's bigger screen while my car charges. Can't wait. But I'll probably have to wait, maybe indefinitely. I don't know if it will ever come to my '21 VW, but maybe... 😭🙏

 

[MayaUser]

Ok but why?

on cities is kind of useless but on long journeys....for passenger and rear passengers

 

[Macalicious2011]

Video and audio will likely be out of sync. I hope there will be settings for adjusting this.

 

[macduke]

Why does Apple do this to themselves? They need to stop showing features that are substantially delayed, not ready, or never make it market. It's become ridiculous lately.

Apple had to show this early because they need to get manufacturers to upgrade their firmware. You get manufactures to upgrade their firmware by showing the feature to consumers who then pester the manufacturers. You also get manufacturers to upgrade their units by telling them about it in advance. And you get app developers updating their apps and ensuring they have ample time to develop UI that works in a CarPlay environment.

If Apple tells the manufacturer separately only, you don't get users pushing for adoption, and you end up with someone in the auto industry leaking this feature. Then Apple can't control the narrative around it, which with something like this, could quickly spiral if Apple doesn't caveat that this only works when parked. News media would definitely sensationalize such a leaked story.

In this situation, it actually makes a lot of sense to announce it before it was ready to be shipped: It makes sense for increasing eventual adoption, it makes sense for Apple preparing developers to work with the vehicle firmware developers, it makes sense so that video app developers will have time to update their app for CarPlay compatibility for the first time, and it makes sense to control the PR narrative about doing this safely.

 

[bluecoast]

on cities is kind of useless but on long journeys....for passenger and rear passengers

I guess - but speaking as someone who already uses CarPlay, that big screen is distracting, even if you have a maps app open - If people in the back want to watch videos, an iPhone or iPad is probably the better way.

 

[SanderEvers]

They should honestly outlaw driver facing screens in cars, would be much safer.

 

[Deej]

Sorry - duplicate post. Can't seem to delete. Please ignore!

 

[Deej]

Use cases seem pretty niche.

There's definitely a use case for this - I've seen it on EVs when they stop for a charge - the owner watches something on the car's screen. (Tesla, perhaps).