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Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) takes place today, and I’m expecting to hear about new features in the company’s operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS, as well as potential upgrades to systems like TVOS and Apple CarPlay.
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In particular, Apple CarPlay might get a few upgrades in the new iOS 26, which is expected to be released this fall. While these are just reported rumors for now, I’ll update this story with confirmation after today’s WWDC event.
1. New CarPlay design
Along with the usual redesign of a big iOS update, CarPlay could also follow suit and get a new design. Some possible design upgrades could be bigger, new app icons, and larger text options so things are easier to see and read on your car’s infotainment screen.
2. Accessibility features
In iOS 18, Apple CarPlay got Sound Recognition features, so you can have your iPhone continuously listen for car horns and sirens. On-device intelligence displays a notification on the CarPlay touchscreen when these sounds are detected, so you can pull your car over for emergency vehicles.
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For iOS 26, these Sound Recognition features are rumored to now recognize the sound of a crying baby, so drivers or front-seat passengers will know if the baby in the back seat is crying.
3. Possible Apple CarPlay Ultra expansion?
Last month, Apple debuted Apple CarPlay Ultra, which expands CarPlay capabilities to both your car’s touchscreen and dashboard. “It builds on the capabilities of CarPlay and provides the ultimate in-car experience by deeply integrating with the vehicle to deliver the best of iPhone and the best of the car,” Apple said in a news release.
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For now, the technology is only available in new Aston Martin vehicle orders in the US and Canada, but today’s WWDC announcement could touch on when we can expect a wider expansion to roll out to more vehicle brands. According to Top Gear, other carmakers like Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and Volvo are already working to add CarPlay Ultra into their models.
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