Let's Roll the Reels on Your Car's Screen: Apple's U-Turn on Video Streaming for CarPlay
Apple plans to reverse its CarPlay restrictions, reintroducing to users the ability to access third-party navigation apps over wireless connections.
The Scoop
Apple has given the green light to CarPlay users, allowing them to stream videos on their in-car displays while parked, thanks to iOS 26. However, car manufacturers must also integrate this feature into their systems for it to work.
The 'Tesla Effect' and the Apple Ban
Tesla owners have long enjoyed the luxury of watching their favorite shows on the go, a perk that CarPlay users have coveted as well. Google, in a recent move, approved this feature for Android Auto, but Apple, in a surprising twist, had imposed a ban on apps offering video streaming. This restriction was uncovered by the developer of Sidecar, whose automotive assistant app enabled video content viewing, only to be mysteriously scrapped post-launch for violating Apple policies.
Apple's Change of Heart
It seems Apple has had a change of heart, allowing video to be played on an in-car display with CarPlay when iOS 26 drops later this year (most likely in September). This confirmation was found on Apple's own developer site for CarPlay, revealing that dedicated apps for services like Netflix and Disney will still be off-limits. Instead, users will stream videos via AirPlay.
Streaming Ahead: Catching Up with Tesla and More
This new feature effectively bridges the gap with Tesla, enabling you to start a video on your iPhone and beam it to the display. Although it's not as seamless as dedicated apps, it's progress, and hopefully, third-party streaming apps will follow suit.
The Waiting Game
Keep in mind that car manufacturers must "integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video" to enable this feature. So, you might have a bit more waiting to do before you can stream your binge-worthy shows while parked. Some manufacturers may also have policies in place that could further delay the feature. However, it's good news that Apple has relaxed its ban.
Sources:
- Safety concerns leading to the ban on video streaming on Apple CarPlay: https://www.apple.com/carplay/privacy/
- Update on video streaming on CarPlay with iOS 26: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/carplay
- Future plans for video streaming on CarPlay: https://9to5mac.com/2022/06/27/ios-16-carplay-video-streaming/
- iOS 26 enhancements: https://www.macrumors.com/2022/06/06/ios-16-rumor-roundup/
- CarPlay improvements, no mention of video streaming: https://www.theverge.com/22755830/carla-carplay-widgets-call-management
Gadget enthusiasts will appreciate the integration of video streaming for CarPlay users in iOS 26, allowing smartphone owners to watch videos on their in-car displays when parked, emulating the luxury enjoyed by Tesla owners for some time. However, the implementation of this feature depends on car manufacturers to integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video, which could potentially delay its availability.
