When Apple launched iOS 26 final fall, it got here with an upgraded CarPlay expertise that built-in lots of the finest options discovered within the iPhone software program. For instance, I used to be thrilled to seek out the identical Liquid Glass materials design that provides interface parts the identical clear look because the iPhone.
Simply late final month, Apple launched iOS 26.4, which introduced new options — together with some particularly for CarPlay. Since then, nevertheless, Apple has launched the iOS 26.5 beta 1 software program that tacks on a number of minor modifications. Whereas it’s not an overhaul of the earlier iOS 26.4 I had working on my iPhone 17 Professional, I’ve been testing out the brand new beta software program for the previous few days whereas driving as much as the New York Auto Present 2026.
Right here’s what I discovered.
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Extra AI chatbots to work together with apart from Siri
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Siri has lengthy been a mainstay in CarPlay — and whereas Google Assistant has been an choice for a while as nicely — the current launch of iOS 26.4 launched broader assist for AI chatbots. Most notably, I lastly have ChatGPT integration in CarPlay, permitting me to faucet OpenAI’s chatbot for varied requests whereas I’m driving.
I’ve to confess that the ChatGPT default voice choice in CarPlay sounds far more fluid and lifelike than Siri or Gemini.
Initially, I couldn’t discover it, however after updating the ChatGPT app on my iPhone, it appeared within the apps panel inside CarPlay. There’s an icon within the ChatGPT app for CarPlay that triggers the chatbot’s listening mode, and I’ve to confess that the default voice choice sounds far more fluid and lifelike than Siri or Gemini. In truth, it sounds awfully like I’m conversing with Ricky Gervais — full together with his trademark inflections and witty remarks.
Now, as a lot as I admire having ChatGPT’s AI bot in CarPlay, there’s one obtrusive downside: I can’t launch it with a voice command. As a substitute, it nonetheless requires me to faucet an icon with a purpose to get ChatGPT to pay attention.
Whereas I’ve examine workarounds, like making a shortcut by the Shortcuts app on iPhone, I hope it will definitely will get an ordinary voice command choice very like Siri and Gemini — which I can launch by merely saying “Hey Siri” and “Hey Google,” respectively.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
One of many largest additions to CarPlay was the introduction of residence display widget assist with iOS 26, which lastly addressed my largest grievance about not having the ability to simply see the time. With iOS 26.4, Apple has added yet one more new widget: Ambient Music.
Personally, I don’t have a lot use for this as a result of the observe picks aren’t actually my cup of tea — however for those who’re open-minded to listening to ambient music that will help you loosen up whereas driving, it could be value a shot. Though it depends on Apple Music for streaming, at the very least you don’t want a paid subscription to pay attention to those tracks.
New wallpaper choices
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Whereas the earlier two options arrived with iOS 26.4, I discovered that the iOS 26.5 beta 1 provides a number of new wallpaper decisions. These comply with the identical multi-colored aesthetic launched with the preliminary iOS 26 rollout, however the brand new additions have a extra vibrant, stable look. In truth, there are even a number of minimalist, stable choices for those who desire to keep away from the multi-color model.
What to learn subsequent
Video streaming assist continues to be lacking
As a lot as I hoped this beta replace would lastly deliver correct video streaming assist, the function continues to be lacking. Apple has lengthy been touting an AirPlay video-sharing function for iOS 26, however it seems like we’ll have to attend a bit longer.
Based on earlier reviews, this streaming perform would solely be accessible whereas parked. Nonetheless, it’ll in the end be as much as every automotive producer to resolve whether or not or to not provide the function.
What I’d wish to see
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Since I check dozens of the very best electrical vehicles yearly, there are a number of refinements I’d like to see in future iterations of CarPlay. For starters, I’m hoping for a extra customizable residence display structure. Within the present model, you possibly can solely have three to 4 “mini” apps working concurrently, with the overwhelming majority of the show strictly dedicated to the maps app.
Secondly, I might actually like to see extra overlay choices built-in into the house display structure. I say this as a result of I rely closely on Google Maps to inform me about velocity traps and alternate routes — essential time-savers which can be at the moment solely accessible in full-screen mode. If I exploit the split-screen residence display, I lose entry to seeing these real-time alerts.
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