Apple revamps CarPlay, expands digital car key support
Apple has unveiled a major upgrade to its in-car technology suite with iOS 26, bringing a refreshed look to CarPlay and expanded support for iPhone-based digital keys. The updates were revealed at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
Cleaner interface, smarter integration
CarPlay, Apple’s in-vehicle infotainment platform, receives its biggest visual overhaul in years. The new “Liquid Glass” design introduces smoother transitions, a more refined layout, and subtle lighting effects that adapt to light and dark modes. Notifications for calls and messages have been scaled back to reduce distraction.
More significantly, iOS 26 introduces Live Activities and widget support, allowing real-time updates—like food deliveries or flight status—to appear on the car’s screen without additional setup. Messaging also gets a boost, with support for emoji tapbacks directly within the CarPlay interface, and improved accessibility features such as sound detection alerts for emergency vehicles.
CarPlay Ultra waiting in the wings
While standard CarPlay continues to evolve, Apple’s next-gen “CarPlay Ultra” experience is still in its early stages. Aston Martin remains the only brand currently shipping it, though Apple has confirmed work is underway with several other marques, including Porsche, Ford, Hyundai and Kia. These systems promise a more immersive setup, with CarPlay taking over the full instrument cluster and climate controls.
There’s no firm timeline for when these advanced integrations will arrive in production vehicles in New Zealand, but the global momentum suggests it’s a matter of when, not if.
iPhone replaces your keys
On the digital key front, Apple is also expanding its CarKey functionality, which allows an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, lock, and start supported vehicles. The feature is already available in a growing number of models from BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and others.
Volvo, for example, recently enabled the feature on the EX30 via a software update. The system uses NFC or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) depending on the car, and allows remote access sharing with family or friends. It’s part of Apple’s push into secure, smartphone-based convenience that’s becoming standard in high-end EVs.
While Apple’s announcements are largely global, many of the supported brands and models are sold in New Zealand—particularly those from Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, and BMW. The digital key functionality could soon become a standard offering across mid-to-premium vehicles sold locally, especially as over-the-air updates make rollout easier.
