When Apple launched iOS 26 last fall, it came with an upgraded CarPlay experience that integrated many of the best features found in the iPhone software. For example, I was thrilled to find the same Liquid Glass material design that gives interface elements the same transparent appearance as the iPhone.
Just late last month, Apple released iOS 26.4, which brought new features — including some specifically for CarPlay. Since then, however, Apple has released the iOS 26.5 beta 1 software that tacks on a few minor changes. While it’s not an overhaul of the previous iOS 26.4 I had running on my iPhone 17 Pro, I’ve been testing out the new beta software for the past few days while driving up to the New York Auto Show 2026.
Here’s what I found.
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More AI chatbots to interact with besides Siri
Siri has long been a mainstay in CarPlay — and while Google Assistant has been an option for some time as well — the recent release of iOS 26.4 introduced broader support for AI chatbots. Most notably, I finally have ChatGPT integration in CarPlay, allowing me to tap OpenAI’s chatbot for various requests while I’m driving.
I have to admit that the ChatGPT default voice option in CarPlay sounds way more fluid and realistic than Siri or Gemini.
Initially, I couldn’t find it, but after updating the ChatGPT app on my iPhone, it appeared in the apps panel within CarPlay. There’s an icon in the ChatGPT app for CarPlay that triggers the chatbot’s listening mode, and I have to admit that the default voice option sounds way more fluid and realistic than Siri or Gemini. In fact, it sounds awfully like I’m conversing with Ricky Gervais — complete with his trademark inflections and witty remarks.
Now, as much as I appreciate having ChatGPT’s AI bot in CarPlay, there’s one glaring problem: I can’t launch it with a voice command. Instead, it still requires me to tap an icon in order to get ChatGPT to listen.
While I’ve read about workarounds, like creating a shortcut through the Shortcuts app on iPhone, I hope it eventually gets a standard voice command option much like Siri and Gemini — which I can launch by simply saying “Hey Siri” and “Hey Google,” respectively.
One of the biggest additions to CarPlay was the introduction of home screen widget support with iOS 26, which finally addressed my biggest complaint about not being able to easily see the time. With iOS 26.4, Apple has added yet another new widget: Ambient Music.
Personally, I don’t have much use for this because the track selections aren’t really my cup of tea — but if you’re open-minded to listening to ambient music to help you relax while driving, it might be worth a shot. Although it relies on Apple Music for streaming, at least you don’t need a paid subscription to listen to these tracks.
New wallpaper options
While the previous two features arrived with iOS 26.4, I found that the iOS 26.5 beta 1 adds several new wallpaper choices. These follow the same multi-colored aesthetic introduced with the initial iOS 26 rollout, but the new additions have a more vibrant, solid look. In fact, there are even a few minimalist, solid options if you prefer to avoid the multi-color style.
Video streaming support is still missing
As much as I hoped this beta update would finally bring proper video streaming support, the feature is still missing. Apple has long been touting an AirPlay video-sharing feature for iOS 26, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer.
According to previous reports, this streaming function would only be accessible while parked. However, it will ultimately be up to each car manufacturer to decide whether or not to offer the feature.
What I’d like to see
Since I test dozens of the best electric cars every year, there are a few refinements I’d love to see in future iterations of CarPlay. For starters, I’m hoping for a more customizable home screen layout. In the current version, you can only have three to four “mini” apps running simultaneously, with the vast majority of the display strictly devoted to the maps app.
Secondly, I would really love to see more overlay options integrated into the home screen layout. I say this because I rely heavily on Google Maps to notify me about speed traps and alternate routes — crucial time-savers that are currently only accessible in full-screen mode. If I use the split-screen home screen, I lose access to seeing those real-time alerts.
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