Refreshed Appearance of Apple CarPlay now Customizable to Complement Vehicle Interiors
Apple's latest software update, iOS 26, is set to introduce a host of new features to Apple CarPlay, including an updated selection of wallpapers and customisation options.
The new wallpaper options focus on a clean, modern aesthetic, offering six core colours - blue, brown, gray, green, purple, and red - each available in light and dark mode variants, totalling 12 distinct wallpapers. This streamlined selection replaces many older wallpaper options from previous iOS versions, simplifying the selection to mostly these new designs.
The new wallpapers adapt their appearance between light and dark modes, enhancing contrast and visibility depending on ambient lighting. In addition, new icon appearance options are available, including light, dark, and clear options in both modes. The interface incorporates a new "liquid glass" design with more translucency and rounded corners, which affects how wallpapers and app icons visually integrate into the overall look.
To access and change these wallpapers, users simply need to open the Settings app on their iPhone while connected to CarPlay, then tap on Wallpaper where they can select from these new options. Notably, iOS 26 also supports video backgrounds in CarPlay for the first time, though car manufacturers must enable this feature separately.
The iOS 26 public beta is expected to be launched soon, allowing compatible iPhone users to test new features such as these. However, users should be aware that using the iOS 26 public beta might lead to some problems as it's not complete and things might not work exactly as planned.
Further changes for Apple CarPlay users are hinted at in the iOS 26 beta, with the possibility of Apple CarPlay Ultra offering customizable wallpaper options in the future. The latest version of Apple's software, iOS 26, is expected to be released in September.
In summary, the new wallpaper options and styles in Apple CarPlay with iOS 26 feature a streamlined selection focused on two main styles: a redesigned iOS 26 wallpaper style and solid color choices. This update is part of a wider redesign featuring enhanced translucency and customizable icon styles, offering Apple CarPlay users more personalisation options than ever before.
The latest software update, iOS 26, introduces an expanded role for technology in Apple CarPlay with the inclusion of customizable wallpaper options. This update is part of a wider redesign that offers Apple CarPlay users more personalization options through customizable icon styles and a new "liquid glass" design.
