Apple TV may very well be coming to your CarPlay display ahead of you suppose

If there’s one factor I’ve at all times wished to do with Apple CarPlay, it is play movies on my automobile’s display. Not whereas driving, in fact, however once I’m parked and ready for a buddy 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 grow to be a actuality. Shortly after the keynote, Apple up to date its developer site with particulars a couple of new CarPlay functionality known as “Video within the automobile,” describing it as a approach for “individuals to look at 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 truly 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 too can use AirPlay to look at movies from different apps

Thomas Dyre, a YouTuber and software program developer, managed to get CarPlay video up and working in a simulated CarPlay setting utilizing the iOS 26.4 beta. One of many largest issues he found was that Apple seems to be creating a model of the Apple TV app particularly for CarPlay.

In Dyre’s video, he walks by way of how the app seems, and it is clear Apple has created a simplified model of the Apple TV app tailor-made for a automobile’s show. You get a well-known house display with fast entry to your Proceed Watching record, the highest 10 reveals and flicks on Apple TV, and featured content material. You too can 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 was a video participant, with most of the similar controls you are already used to, similar to rewind, pause, play, and skip ahead or again 10 seconds. Apple TV may also robotically modify the video decision to suit your automobile’s show.

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

For instance, when you open a YouTube video whereas your iPhone is related to CarPlay, a immediate seems in Dynamic Island asking if you wish to watch it by way of CarPlay. Faucet that, and the video participant pops up in your automobile’s display. If you happen to resolve you’d quite 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 a lot of questions on CarPlay video

Compatibility is a giant query mark

Credit score: Apple

Based mostly on Dyre’s demo, Apple’s work on CarPlay video seems extremely promising. It is clear plenty of thought has gone into making the expertise really feel seamless and native to the automobile display. However as thrilling because it seems, there are nonetheless a number of massive unanswered questions.

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

Second, there’s the massive compatibility query: which vehicles will truly help CarPlay video? On its developer web site, Apple says automakers have to “combine help for CarPlay with AirPlay video to allow this characteristic in your automobile.” That implies an iOS replace alone won’t be sufficient. Automobile producers may additionally have to roll out their very own software program updates to allow help.

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

One factor we do know is that Apple has put security entrance and middle. CarPlay video will solely work when the automobile is in park. The second the automobile begins transferring, video playback by way of CarPlay is disabled completely. 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 looks like that day is getting nearer. There have been so many occasions I have been ready in my automobile to select up a buddy or member of the family, wishing I might throw on a fast video through CarPlay whereas I am parked, and I can not wait to lastly have the ability to try this. Nevertheless, whether or not my Hyundai truly helps it’s a entire different story. Compatibility continues to be the massive query mark right here.