Apple TV may very well be coming to your CarPlay display before you assume

If there’s one factor I’ve all the time needed to do with Apple CarPlay, it is play movies on my automobile’s display. Not whereas driving, in fact, however once I’m parked and ready for a buddy or stopped throughout a street journey for a break.

Again when iOS 26 was introduced at WWDC 2025, there was renewed hope that CarPlay video may lastly turn into a actuality. Shortly after the keynote, Apple up to date its developer site with particulars a couple of new CarPlay functionality referred to as “Video within the automobile,” describing it as a method for “folks to look at their favourite movies from iPhone proper on their CarPlay show after they aren’t driving.”

When iOS 26 launched final fall, sadly, there was no signal that the function was really working but. However with iOS 26.4 coming quickly, there are lastly indicators that CarPlay video is getting nearer to actuality. Supply code noticed within the iOS 26.4 beta references CarPlay video assist, particularly tied to Apple TV. Fortunately, one software program developer has already gotten the function working, and the outcomes are very promising.

Apple TV is coming to CarPlay

You may also use AirPlay to look at movies from different apps

Thomas Dyre, a YouTuber and software program developer, managed to get CarPlay video up and operating in a simulated CarPlay atmosphere utilizing the iOS 26.4 beta. One of many greatest issues he found was that Apple seems to be creating a model of the Apple TV app particularly for CarPlay.

In Dyre’s video, he walks by way of how the app seems to be, and it is clear Apple has created a simplified model of the Apple TV app tailor-made for a automobile’s show. You get a well-known residence display with fast entry to your Proceed Watching record, the highest 10 exhibits and films on Apple TV, and featured content material. You may also dive into your private library, and there is even a devoted tab for MLS (Main League Soccer).

Most significantly, as for the video-watching expertise itself, when Dyre opened a present on Apple TV, CarPlay’s interface changed into a video participant, with lots of the identical controls you are already used to, reminiscent of rewind, pause, play, and skip ahead or again 10 seconds. Apple TV may even routinely regulate the video decision to suit your automobile’s show.

Exterior of Apple TV, Dyre additionally discovered that apps that assist AirPlay can forged video to your automobile’s show through CarPlay when it is enabled.

For instance, for those who open a YouTube video whereas your iPhone is linked to CarPlay, a immediate seems in Dynamic Island asking if you wish to watch it by way of CarPlay. Faucet that, and the video participant pops up in your automobile’s display. In the event you resolve you’d slightly swap again to your iPhone, there’s an choice in Dynamic Island that permits you to transfer it again simply as simply.

There are nonetheless numerous questions on CarPlay video

Compatibility is an enormous query mark

Credit score: Apple

Based mostly on Dyre’s demo, Apple’s work on CarPlay video seems to be extremely promising. It is clear a whole lot of thought has gone into making the expertise really feel seamless and native to the automobile display. However as thrilling because it seems to be, there are nonetheless a couple of massive unanswered questions.

First, it is unclear whether or not the function will really launch with iOS 26.4, which is predicted someday in March or April. Apple may simply resolve it wants extra time to shine issues, which may push it again. We probably will not know for certain till we get nearer to the official launch.

Second, there’s the large compatibility query: which automobiles will really assist CarPlay video? On its developer website, Apple says automakers must “combine assist for CarPlay with AirPlay video to allow this function in your automobile.” That implies an iOS replace alone won’t be sufficient. Automotive producers may must roll out their very own software program updates to allow assist.

Third, there’s the query of what number of builders and streaming companies will really assist this. Whilst you can AirPlay to forged movies to CarPlay, it will likely be fascinating to see whether or not main streaming companies like YouTube or Netflix may even provide their very own CarPlay apps, as Apple has accomplished for Apple TV.

One factor we do know is that Apple has put security entrance and heart. CarPlay video will solely work when the automobile is in park. The second the automobile begins transferring, video playback by way of CarPlay is disabled totally. That safeguard helps guarantee everybody stays secure when this function rolls out and prevents distracted driving.

All in all, I am actually excited for CarPlay video to lastly roll out, and based mostly on what’s been found within the iOS 26.4 beta with Apple TV, it seems like that day is getting nearer. There have been so many instances I have been ready in my automobile to choose up a buddy or member of the family, wishing I may throw on a fast video through CarPlay whereas I am parked, and I can not wait to lastly have the ability to try this. Nevertheless, whether or not my Hyundai really helps it’s a entire different story. Compatibility remains to be the large query mark right here.