Apple TV could possibly be coming to your CarPlay display earlier than you suppose

If there’s one factor I’ve at all times needed to do with Apple CarPlay, it is play movies on my automotive’s display. Not whereas driving, after all, however after I’m parked and ready for a pal 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 change into a actuality. Shortly after the keynote, Apple up to date its developer site with particulars a few new CarPlay functionality referred to as “Video within the automotive,” describing it as a approach for “individuals to observe their favourite movies from iPhone proper on their CarPlay show once they aren’t driving.”

When iOS 26 launched final fall, sadly, there was no signal that the characteristic 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 help, particularly tied to Apple TV. Fortunately, one software program developer has already gotten the characteristic working, and the outcomes are very promising.

Apple TV is coming to CarPlay

You can too use AirPlay to observe 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 growing a model of the Apple TV app particularly for CarPlay.

In Dyre’s video, he walks via how the app appears to be like, and it is clear Apple has created a simplified model of the Apple TV app tailor-made for a automotive’s show. You get a well-known house display with fast entry to your Proceed Watching listing, the highest 10 exhibits and flicks on Apple TV, and featured content material. You can too 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, akin to rewind, pause, play, and skip ahead or again 10 seconds. Apple TV may also routinely alter the video decision to suit your automotive’s show.

Exterior of Apple TV, Dyre additionally discovered that apps that help AirPlay can solid video to your automotive’s show by way of CarPlay when it is enabled.

For instance, in the event you open a YouTube video whereas your iPhone is linked to CarPlay, a immediate seems in Dynamic Island asking if you wish to watch it via CarPlay. Faucet that, and the video participant pops up in your automotive’s display. In case you resolve you’d moderately 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 plenty of questions on CarPlay video

Compatibility is an enormous query mark

Credit score: Apple

Primarily based on Dyre’s demo, Apple’s work on CarPlay video appears to be like extremely promising. It is clear a whole lot of thought has gone into making the expertise really feel seamless and native to the automotive display. However as thrilling because it appears to be like, there are nonetheless just a few huge unanswered questions.

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

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

Third, there’s the query of what number of builders and streaming providers will really help this. When you can AirPlay to solid movies to CarPlay, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not main streaming providers like YouTube or Netflix may also supply their very own CarPlay apps, as Apple has finished for Apple TV.

One factor we do know is that Apple has put security entrance and middle. CarPlay video will solely work when the car is in park. The second the automotive begins shifting, video playback via CarPlay is disabled solely. That safeguard helps guarantee everybody stays secure when this characteristic 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 appears like that day is getting nearer. There have been so many occasions I have been ready in my automotive to select up a pal or member of the family, wishing I might throw on a fast video by way of CarPlay whereas I am parked, and I can not wait to lastly be capable of do this. Nonetheless, whether or not my Hyundai really helps it’s a complete different story. Compatibility continues to be the massive query mark right here.