iOS 26 is a huge update for CarPlay users, with more new features than we’ve seen in years. One addition that’s especially noteworthy is the introduction of widgets to CarPlay for the first time.
Widgets bring glanceable info to CarPlay
Widgets are a key feature across nearly all of Apple’s software platforms. They’re a big part of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This year Vision Pro is even adding spatial widgets in visionOS 26.
But CarPlay has had the longest wait for widgets, and that wait is finally over.
Back in 2022, widgets were announced as part of the “next generation” of CarPlay, which eventually became CarPlay Ultra.
Fortunately though, Apple has decided to bring widgets to the standard CarPlay experience too.
Starting in iOS 26, CarPlay can now feature widgets just like your iPhone—offering glanceable info that’s relevant to your needs. Here’s how they work.
How CarPlay widgets work in iOS 26
Inside the iPhone’s Settings app, you can configure the widgets that will appear inside your car.
Widget stacks are supported, enabling you to stack up to five widgets and optionally have them use ‘Smart Rotate’ or not.
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