iOS 26 is a huge update for CarPlay users, with more new features than we’ve seen in years. One addition that’s especially noteworthy is the introduction of widgets to CarPlay for the first time.
Widgets are a key feature across nearly all of Apple’s software platforms. They’re a big part of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This year Vision Pro is even adding spatial widgets in visionOS 26.
But CarPlay has had the longest wait for widgets, and that wait is finally over.
Back in 2022, widgets were announced as part of the “next generation” of CarPlay, which eventually became CarPlay Ultra.
Fortunately though, Apple has decided to bring widgets to the standard CarPlay experience too.
Starting in iOS 26, CarPlay can now feature widgets just like your iPhone—offering glanceable info that’s relevant to your needs. Here’s how they work.
Inside the iPhone’s Settings app, you can configure the widgets that will appear inside your car.
Widget stacks are supported, enabling you to stack up to five widgets and optionally have them use ‘Smart Rotate’ or not.
Native CarPlay apps can, of course, offer their own widgets. But you’re not limited to just those options.
iOS 26 lets you add any widget to your car that’s available on your iPhone—the app doesn’t need to be a “CarPlay app.”
Visit Settings ⇾ General ⇾ CarPlay and select your car to find a full list of apps with widgets you can use in iOS 26.
Depending on your vehicle’s CarPlay screen size, you’ll either be able to configure one or two widgets stacks to be displayed.
Some widgets even have customizable parameters, like on your iPhone. For example, the default Up Next widget from Calendar lets you either mirror the iPhone’s Calendar selection or choose your own calendars to show. You can also decide whether to show or hide all-day events.
Widgets seem like a no-brainer addition to CarPlay. It’s surprising they’ve taken this long to arrive, but I’m mostly just glad they’re finally here. And importantly, Apple isn’t keeping them exclusive to CarPlay Ultra.
Glanceability is at the core of what makes the best widgets. Coincidentally, it’s also a crucial element in keeping CarPlay a safe experience for everyone. So it’s great to see Apple bring widgets and CarPlay together in iOS 26.
Which CarPlay widgets do you plan to use in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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