GoKawiilApple details CarPlay customization options including iOS 26 widgets
Apple CarPlay users can rearrange app icons via their iPhone's Settings > General > CarPlay menu rather than the car display itself, and iOS 26 adds widgets for weather, calendar and clock with a Smart Rotate feature that swaps them automatically. Users can also adjust brightness with Automatic light/dark mode and customize wallpaper and icon colors through CarPlay's own Settings menu.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These customization tools suggest Apple is treating CarPlay as an increasingly central part of the driving experience rather than a simple phone mirror, likely aiming to keep users engaged within its ecosystem while driving. The addition of widgets and smart rotation in iOS 26 indicates Apple is borrowing iPhone Home Screen concepts to make in-car interfaces more dynamic and personalized.
- App layout must be edited on the iPhone, not the car's CarPlay screen
- iOS 26 introduces CarPlay widgets with Smart Rotate and Widget Suggestions features
- Users can also customize CarPlay brightness, wallpaper and icon color schemes
Anker CarPlay Wireless Adapter — If your car has wired CarPlay only, this adapter lets you connect wirelessly so you can enjoy your newly customized layout and widgets without plugging in every time. It's a simple upgrade that makes the improved CarPlay experience feel even more seamless.
See Anker CarPlay Wireless Adapter on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Alec Hively, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “Improve your Apple CarPlay experience by doing these simple things”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.