Apple made a major U-turn with CarPlay after a decade of not allowing video playback. Starting with iOS 26, Apple technically allows apps to display video through the CarPlay screen while parked.
Support, however, just isn’t there yet unfortunately.
The new capability falls under the name ‘video in the car’ and is mentioned on Apple’s developer website for CarPlay:
AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving. Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car.
Apple points developers and automakers interested in making and supporting CarPlay apps with video playback to learn more:
If you are interested in supporting CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, AirPlay video, or car keys in your vehicle system, learn more about the MFi Program.
In April 2025, a third-party app managed to get a CarPlay web browser with video playback through App Store review, but the feature was later removed.
Now video playback while parked is officially allowed for the first time since CarPlay arrived.
Ok, now what about pinch to zoom so drivers aren’t distracted by navigating the maze of buttons to simply zoom the map a little?
Support is anything but universal, however, as each automaker controls whether or not to allow the AirPlay video in the car.
For that reason, it’s unclear if we’ll actually see video playback anytime soon. Support requires explicit automaker support, not just app developer support.
Apple has also impr CarPlay in iOS 26oved with redesigned icons and appearance options, widget support, and updates to Music, Messages, and more.
For now, no automakers have commented on supporting video support.
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Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

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