iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

February 20, 2026 February 20, 2026

Unlocking In-Car Entertainment: Apple's CarPlay Video Feature Revealed in iOS 26.4

Imagine being able to catch up on your favorite TV shows or watch a movie on your car's built-in display while you're waiting in a parking lot, charging your electric vehicle, or simply picking up the kids from school. This future, once a distant dream for many, is rapidly approaching thanks to Apple. Back at their annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025, Apple made a groundbreaking announcement: they were planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay directly on their vehicle's screen. The crucial caveat, of course, being that the vehicle must not be in motion. Now, with the release of the first beta of iOS 26.4, it appears this highly anticipated feature is closer than ever to becoming a reality for millions of drivers and passengers worldwide.

The Road to In-Car Video: From WWDC Announcement to Beta Discovery

Apple's vision for CarPlay has always been to extend the power and simplicity of iOS into the vehicle, making navigation, communication, and entertainment safer and more intuitive. Over the years, CarPlay has evolved significantly, moving from a simple projection system to a more deeply integrated experience that can take over multiple screens in a modern vehicle. The announcement at WWDC 2025 about AirPlay video capability wasn't just another incremental update; it signaled a major shift in how we perceive and utilize the screens within our cars when parked.

For a long time, in-car entertainment beyond radio or podcasts primarily involved passengers using their own devices. While some premium vehicles offer integrated screens for rear passengers, the idea of using the central infotainment display for video, powered by your iPhone, was a significant leap. This feature directly addresses the growing need for on-demand entertainment during those moments of downtime that punctuate our daily lives.

The journey from a developer conference keynote to actual user availability involves months, if not years, of intricate software development, testing, and collaboration with automotive partners. The appearance of this functionality in the iOS 26.4 beta is a critical milestone, indicating that Apple has made substantial progress and is now moving into the final stages of refinement before a public rollout.

Deep Dive into the iOS 26.4 Beta's Secrets

Developers and tech enthusiasts are always keen to uncover hidden gems within early software betas, and iOS 26.4 has proven to be no exception. Eagle-eyed researchers scouring the source code of the beta have found several new references specifically pointing to CarPlay video streaming functionality. While the feature isn't yet live or easily accessible to the average user, these code snippets are like breadcrumbs, revealing Apple's ongoing work and intentions.

One such dedicated software developer, Thomas Dye, managed to take these code references a step further. Utilizing Xcode's CarPlay simulator on his Mac – a tool developers use to test CarPlay features without needing an actual car – Dye successfully activated and demonstrated the video streaming capabilities. His findings, showcased in a recent and insightful YouTube video (via 9to5Mac), provide the clearest look yet at how this exciting new feature will function in the real world.

A Glimpse into the Future: What the Demo Reveals

Thomas Dye's demo, though conducted in a simulated environment and described as "clunky" due to its early stage of development, offered crucial insights into the user experience Apple is crafting. The core mechanism is straightforward: an iPhone connected to CarPlay will be able to project videos from any AirPlay-supported application onto the car's display. This means your favorite streaming apps, media players, or even apps with personal video libraries that support AirPlay will theoretically be compatible.

Seamless Playback and Control

The beauty of AirPlay lies in its simplicity. Once connected, your iPhone essentially becomes the remote and source for the video playing on the larger car screen. The demo highlighted a particularly neat integration with Apple's innovative Dynamic Island on newer iPhones. A dedicated button within the Dynamic Island will allow users to effortlessly switch the video playback from the car's screen back to the iPhone's display. This offers incredible flexibility, especially if you need to quickly continue watching as you exit the vehicle or want to share the content with a passenger who prefers a smaller screen.

This level of control, integrated directly into the iPhone's user interface, ensures a smooth and intuitive experience. It means you won't have to fumble through complex car menus; your iPhone remains the central hub for managing your media.

The Arrival of the Apple TV App on CarPlay

Perhaps one of the most exciting revelations from the demo was the apparent inclusion of a dedicated Apple TV app within CarPlay. This isn't just about mirroring a video from your phone; it suggests a fully integrated application specifically designed for the car's interface. If this functionality holds true in the final release, it would allow users to directly access the vast library of content available on the Apple TV streaming service, including Apple Originals, as well as any movies and TV shows purchased or rented from their personal iTunes library.

Furthermore, the demo showed a tab for accessing MLS Season Pass. This is a significant detail, indicating Apple's commitment to bringing its exclusive sports content directly into the CarPlay experience. For soccer fans, being able to catch up on highlights or watch a full match (while parked, of course) could be a major draw. However, it's important to remember the "clunky simulator" caveat; while promising, the full extent of the Apple TV app's features in the real CarPlay environment remains to be seen. Apple might start with a more streamlined version and add features over time.

Why In-Car Video, and Why Now?

The introduction of AirPlay video in CarPlay isn't just about offering another way to watch content; it reflects broader trends in vehicle usage and technology. Modern cars are increasingly becoming extensions of our digital lives, and as electric vehicles gain popularity, so does the concept of "waiting" while the car charges. These downtime moments, whether at a charging station, a pick-up line, or simply waiting for someone, create a natural opportunity for entertainment.

This feature also positions CarPlay more competitively against advanced, integrated infotainment systems found in high-end vehicles from Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and others, which often include built-in streaming capabilities. Apple's approach leverages the power and familiarity of your iPhone and its ecosystem, rather than relying solely on the car manufacturer's software.

Consider the myriad use cases:

Electric Vehicle Charging: As EV ownership grows, so does the time spent at charging stations. What better way to pass 30-60 minutes than catching up on your favorite show on a larger screen?
Commuter Waits: Waiting for a child after school or sports practice, or waiting for a partner outside a store, can often involve significant idle time.
Road Trip Stops: For passengers, especially during long road trips, this feature could offer a welcome break from phone screens during rest stops or meal breaks.
Delivery and Ride-Share Drivers: For those whose jobs involve waiting between fares or deliveries, this offers a valuable way to relax and entertain themselves.
Camping and Outdoor Activities: If your car is part of your outdoor adventure setup, being able to stream a movie on a chilly evening could be a cozy addition.

The potential for enhancing user comfort and convenience during these everyday scenarios is immense, making the car not just a mode of transport but also a personalized entertainment hub when stationary.

Safety First: The Crucial Role of Automaker Integration

While the prospect of in-car video is exciting, Apple is very clear about the paramount importance of safety. The feature is strictly designed for use only when the vehicle is parked. This isn't just a recommendation; it's a technical requirement embedded into the system. Apple's developer website indicates that automakers will need to implement specific support for this CarPlay video functionality.

This requirement likely involves the car's internal systems communicating its current state (parked, in drive, etc.) to CarPlay. This ensures that video playback is automatically disabled the moment the vehicle begins to move, preventing driver distraction and adhering to safety regulations. Such deep integration means that the widespread rollout of this feature won't happen overnight across all CarPlay-compatible vehicles. Newer car models, or those with more advanced software capabilities, will likely be the first to support it.

The need for automaker implementation means that even if the software is ready on your iPhone, your specific car model will also need to be updated or built with this capability in mind. This phased rollout is common with complex automotive technologies, as it involves intricate validation and certification processes to ensure safety and reliability. However, given the competitive nature of the automotive industry and the demand for cutting-edge features, many manufacturers will likely prioritize implementing this support.

When Can You Expect In-Car AirPlay Video?

The appearance of this feature in the iOS 26.4 beta suggests that its public release is not far off. Historically, major iOS updates like 26.4 typically become available to the general public in late March or early April. Therefore, there's a strong possibility that users could experience CarPlay video streaming within that timeframe.

However, software development can be unpredictable. There's always a chance that Apple might decide to hold the feature back until iOS 26.5 or even a later update. This could happen if they require more time to refine the user experience, address unexpected bugs, or work more closely with automakers to ensure seamless and safe integration. Given the safety-critical nature of in-car features, Apple is unlikely to rush the release until it meets their stringent standards.

Even once iOS 26.4 or a subsequent update is released, remember the critical role of automaker support. You might have the latest iOS on your iPhone, but your car's infotainment system will also need a compatible software update from the manufacturer to enable the feature fully. This could mean some users get it sooner than others, depending on their vehicle model and the manufacturer's update schedule.

Beyond Entertainment: The Broader Impact of CarPlay's Evolution

The introduction of video playback via AirPlay in CarPlay marks a significant evolution in Apple's strategy for in-car technology. It underscores a shift towards viewing the car not just as a transportation device, but as a multifunctional personal space. As autonomous driving technologies advance, even partially, the demand for productive and entertaining uses of in-car time will only grow. Apple is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this transformation.

This feature could also pave the way for other advanced applications in CarPlay. Once the infrastructure for video streaming is robustly in place, one could imagine possibilities for in-car gaming (again, when parked), enhanced productivity tools, or even more immersive educational content. The car's display, often larger and better positioned than a phone screen, becomes a valuable canvas for these experiences.

Ultimately, this update is about enhancing the user's digital life, extending the seamless, integrated experience of the Apple ecosystem into another important domain. It’s about making those inevitable moments of waiting more enjoyable and productive, leveraging the technology you already own in new and innovative ways.

The journey from a WWDC announcement to a tangible feature in the hands of users is always fascinating to observe. With the iOS 26.4 beta, we're now at an exciting juncture where speculation gives way to concrete demonstrations. The future of in-car entertainment, powered by your iPhone and CarPlay, looks brighter and more engaging than ever before.

Get ready to transform your car's downtime into prime entertainment time!

Related Roundups: CarPlay, iOS 26, iPadOS 26

Tag: AirPlay