iOS 27 brings several notable updates to CarPlay, including a conversational Siri AI, new media controls, improved location and heading detection, refreshed wallpapers and the option for in‑car video apps — with some features limited by hardware, regional rules and automaker support.
Siri AI in CarPlay
Apple’s more conversational Siri experience is now available in CarPlay, using personal context to answer questions in a chatbot‑style format. Siri AI requires an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 or later, and users must join a waiting list in Settings → Siri. Siri AI is not available in the European Union at launch as Apple works to comply with the Digital Markets Act.
Media controls and playback
The Now Playing interface gains a progress bar that lets you jump to a specific point in a song or podcast. A new mini‑player keeps media controls accessible while you navigate apps outside the primary media category.
Navigation, wireless and visual updates
Apple says CarPlay now offers improved location accuracy and navigation heading detection. Wireless CarPlay connections are also said to be more reliable. CarPlay gains a set of new wallpapers with wavy designs in multiple colors, available in both light and dark variants; the designs are based on the default wallpapers in macOS 27 and iOS 27.
Video apps and automaker support
Developers can build CarPlay apps that let users browse and play video on the car’s display, and apps that support AirPlay video can stream content from an iPhone. Video playback is limited to when the vehicle is parked, and the feature requires automakers to certify video support for their vehicles, so rollout will depend on manufacturer adoption.
The new CarPlay features arrived with iOS 27, which Apple released on September 14. The free update is available for iPhone 11 and later models, plus the second‑generation iPhone SE and newer.
