Apple has expanded one of the most dynamic features of iOS: Live activities – to carplaymarking a significant step in bringing real-time interactivity to car screens. Originally released with iOS 16.1Live Activity allowed users to stay updated on events in real time directly from the Lock screen either dynamic island on iPhone. Over the years, the feature has been refined and integrated into more Apple platforms. With iOS 26now it comes Apple CarPlay and macOS Tahoeexpanding its usefulness beyond portable devices.
For CarPlay users, this update introduces a more connected and information-rich driving experience. Live activities allows drivers to monitor real-time updates, such as navigation details, sports scores or food delivery progress, without needing to leave the main CarPlay interface. This integration keeps essential information visible while minimizing distractions when switching between applications.
Apple has also combined the launch with other improvements to the CarPlay interface, including a liquid glass visual redesign, the ability to Tapback to react to messages and new widget support for quick access to contextual data. Together, these updates make CarPlay more customizable and visually consistent with iOS’ evolving design language.
To access live activities in CarPlay, users must first update your iPhone to iOS 26 through Settings > General > Software Update. Depending on the car manufacturer, the infotainment system It may also require a firmware update, either via Wi-Fi or a USB drive. Once updated, compatible apps will automatically display live data on the CarPlay screen when in use.
Common live activity apps on CarPlay include Turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps, sports results trackingand delivery status tracking for supported services. Users can customize which apps appear as live activities through Settings > Applications on the iPhone, enabling or disabling them individually.
CarPlay is now supported multiple live activities simultaneouslyallowing drivers to track multiple events at once; for example, viewing navigation directions while monitoring the arrival of a flight or controlling music playback. Since many third-party apps have already adopted Live Activity on iPhone, the transition to CarPlay brings familiar functionality to the dashboard with a minimal learning curve.
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