These 3 Apple CarPlay upgrades stole WWDC 2025 for me

WWDC 2025 is in full swing, and although there’s plenty of news surrounding Apple’s software design overhaul, live translation services, and other features powered by Apple Intelligence, new CarPlay features caught my eye the most.

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I plug my iPhone into my car every time I get into it, even if I don’t need Maps. I love the interface, and I like having quick access to vital apps like Phone, Messages, and, most importantly, Chick-fil-A.

Apple’s new CarPlay design isn’t significant enough to call it a complete redesign, but the new features and look are meaningful enough to change how you interact with CarPlay. This year’s WWDC brought three new features I’m most excited about, and here’s why.

1. Notification banners and message Tapbacks

When I use Maps and am driving on Atlanta’s hectic interstates, it always bothers me when an incoming call usurps my screen and hides my driving directions. Then, I have to briefly take my eyes off the road to click back to Maps.

Now, phone calls pop up as banner notifications, allowing you to tap the accept button or press your steering wheel’s call button while keeping your Maps in frame. 

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In CarPlay’s current form, you can only listen to Siri read you a text message and respond using your car’s voice control. The new update will change how Messages are displayed, mirroring the pinned conversations you have on your phone and allowing you to respond to messages via Tapback responses.

Additionally, iOS 26 ushered in a new Phone feature named Hold Assist. If you’re on hold and your phone detects hold music, it will ask if you want your call spot held in line and notify you when it’s your turn to speak with someone. It’ll come in handy for people like me who call doctors’ offices and insurance companies in the car.

2. More widgets

Apple CarPlay will support Apple’s new Liquid Glass design, complete with translucent app backgrounds and rounded corners. Alongside the new design language comes expanded widget compatibility, allowing your car’s infotainment center to display pertinent widgets while you’re in another app.

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Previously, a few widgets lived on CarPlay’s home screen, like an upcoming calendar event, your currently playing music, or an ongoing phone call. Now, you can always see those widgets, so you don’t have to click away from your displayed app to address or get a quick glance at them.

However, constant widgets could crowd your screen, especially if you have a smaller infotainment display. Hopefully, Apple will introduce more customization options to keep users in control of what’s shown and when.

3. Live Activities

I live near Atlanta’s international airport, and I’m always the first line of defense when a friend or family member needs a ride home. I use the Flighty app to input my loved one’s flight information to display on my phone’s Dynamic Island, and now, that Live Activity will appear in CarPlay.

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Live Activities in CarPlay is a major score for sports fans like me who want a quick glance at the game while sitting in traffic. I use Sports Alert to stay on top of the Atlanta Falcons scoreboard, so I’m looking forward to keeping an eye on it while running my Sunday errands this fall.

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