{"id":9445,"date":"2026-05-09T09:47:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T08:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/05\/09\/carplay-keeps-getting-better-here-are-two-new-features-ive-been-loving\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T09:47:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T08:47:04","slug":"carplay-keeps-getting-better-here-are-two-new-features-ive-been-loving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/05\/09\/carplay-keeps-getting-better-here-are-two-new-features-ive-been-loving\/","title":{"rendered":"CarPlay keeps getting better, here are two new features I\u2019ve been loving"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The topic CarPlay keeps getting better, here are two new features I\u2019ve been loving<\/strong> is currently the subject of lively discussion \u2014 readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.<\/p>\n

This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies\u2019 decisions and competitors\u2019 reactions can quickly change the picture.<\/p>\n

CarPlay has improved a lot with iOS 26 and subsequent updates over the past year, here are two new features I\u2019ve been loving lately.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not often that CarPlay gets a whole new category of apps, but that\u2019s exactly what happened with iOS 26.4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

As of the latest iPhone update, CarPlay now lets you use \u201cvoice-based conversational apps\u201d (AI chatbots).<\/p>\n

So far ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok have all launched CarPlay versions, and I expect Claude and Gemini to follow suit soon.<\/p>\n

I love using AI apps in the car because they enable me to perform searches and ask general questions while keeping my eyes and hands focused on driving.<\/p>\n

These AI apps only support voice interactions, making them a lot safer than using your iPhone. And they offer an exciting glimpse at what iOS 27 should enable for Siri.<\/p>\n

Widgets are a brand new CarPlay feature that launched in iOS 26. But two more recent updates have made the feature even better.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

In iOS 26.2, Apple expanded the number of widgets available on screen for select vehicles.<\/p>\n

I was one of the lucky ones. My car went from offering two widgets at once to now, post-update, displaying three simultaneously.<\/p>\n

And following iOS 26.4\u2019s launch, Apple Sports added its own CarPlay widget for sports tracking. It was perfect timing for me with that newly added widget slot.<\/p>\n

While I\u2019d love a dedicated CarPlay app for Apple Sports, having a widget is the next best thing. Whenever I want to keep track of a game, or check on my teams\u2019 schedules, I can do that right inside CarPlay and leave my iPhone untouched.<\/p>\n

What are some of your favorite recent CarPlay features? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n