Much has been discussed about the latest IOS 26 software update of Apple, which brings with it the ‘Liquid Glass’ interface and possibly the most radical changes in the ways in which users interact with Apple products in recent years.
Another aspect that has affected is the extremely popular Apple Carplay user interface, which allows drivers (and passengers) to reflect their smartphones on the information and entertainment screen of a vehicle.
Most of the modern manufacturers now offer the compatibility of Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard, but, if I, it drives an older vehicle, can also take advantage of the functionality when it is behind the steering wheel with a dedicated after -sales head unit.
It was in one of these, without a doubt, head units of the accessories market that I took the last iteration of Apple Carplay to turn it around. Here are my five main characteristics.
1. The interface looks better
While the new ‘Liquid Glass’ interface, with its almost opaque application icons, it does not really adapt to Apple Carplay (it makes them difficult to see), the configurations in a default and dark way look fantastic and really explode.
The icons of the application now have rounded edges and contrast very well with an elegant -looking selection, even on an average screen like mine.
When compared to each other with the previous generations of Carplay, it is difficult to argue that it does not seem more modern. The icons of the application are directed with an orderly animation, instead of remaining static as well.
Above all, there is an impressive amount of consistency throughout the interface, with all the icons of the application that receive the same rounded update. There is also a spring of the application that is set on the side of the screen.
In my right handling vehicle, this was easily noticed to the right, allowing quick and easy access to reach the most recently used applications.
Apple presents its popular iPhone widget function in Carplay with the iOS 26 update, which allows a dedicated screen to show compact and fast -looking versions “of favorite applications.
However, on smaller infotainment screens (mine is only around 7 inches), it is only possible to show a widget at the same time, which defeats the object of stacking them for fast looks.
In the configuration of my Apple iPhone 15, I could choose from five favorite widgets, all taken from the applications that have already been installed. These can be considered in order of importance.
There are things like a digital watch, summaries of news holders, recent WhatsApp conversations and daily calendar tickets, all of which are set at the first page in Apple Carplay.
As mentioned earlier, I could only see one at a time on my small screen, having to move up and down between them, but it is still a very useful way to get quick access to the last minute news, see a meteorological update or shortcut to a WhatsApp conversation.
3. Notifications are less intrusive
Most people connect their phone to a vehicle ,ar Apple Carplay and then sail through Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps. Having notifications appeared at the top of these applications can be confusing and frustrating when driving.
Apple has aimed to counteract this with a new ‘tapback’ function in incoming Imessages. Now, it is possible to respond quickly with an emoji, or silence future notifications in a small panel that appears.
The number of answers is limited and if you need to explain something beyond a love heart emoji or an interrogation sign, you will have to resort to Siri.
Similarly, incoming phone calls no longer take care of the entire screen, destroying any possibility of seeing the next navigation instruction. Instead, they slide perfectly from the bottom of the screen of an application. Hurrah.
4. You can customize things (a little)
Together with the ability to select from a handful of elegant wallpapers (there are still no access to photos for custom funds), there is a good amount of customization within the Carplay configuration.
You can change the size of the text, which is useful for smaller infotainment screens or those with a bad view, select between the default or dark screens, as well as opt for the complete treatment of ‘liquid glass’ if it digs that appearance.
The latter is supposed to distract less, since ‘ghost’ the icons of the application. But on my screen, everything made everything almost impossible to see in broad daylight, sending distraction levels through the ceiling.
5. Live activities are really useful
If you have a larger information and entertainment screen, the stackable widgets page can also include live activities, which are very useful if you want to track something.
The most obvious example is live flight information from its favorite application compatible with Carplay, since it allows you to register progress on your way to the airport.
Similarly, there is the option of having live sports scores in a widget, provided that the equipment or games within the Apple Sports application.
Other applications that have been optimized for this functionality include things like Ringgo Parking, which can show the remaining parking time on the screen, in case you are sitting in your car waiting to pick up someone.
But AirPlay only works with audio
There have been reports that Apple is looking to admit airplay videos inside the Carplay environment, so that users can enjoy entertainment when they park.
I tried this using my system, but I could only have the audio of a YouTube video video to my head unit enabled for my carplay. That is not the end of the world, since I could still enjoy a mixture of DJ or a documentary that does not require the images, but it is not perfect.
Apple says that “it will integrate the support for Carplay with Video AirPlay to enable this function in your car”, but it will be reduced to the manufacturer to choose how and when they activate it.
Similarly, Pellizco’s new function only works in selected vehicles that allow control of multiple gestures, which should again be decided by the automation manufacturer.
