iOS 27 brings several new CarPlay features. From Siri AI to new video features, to new wallpapers, we can expect several new features to play with.
Siri AI
In this writer’s humble opinion, Apple’s smarter, more capable version of Siri is the headlining new feature of iOS 27 CarPlay. Users can conduct hands-free conversations with the improved assistant, allowing users to ask it to complete tasks or find information for you while they drive. Plus, all conversations you have with Siri in CarPlay sync to the Siri app on iPhone allowing you to pick them up later.
Voice Control
All app categories are can now offer a voice control option. An Apple-designed voice control template can now be integrated into apps for voice conversations.
Natural Language Improvements
Apple has extended natural language search to navigation in Apple Maps, and that works with CarPlay. This makes it easier to ask Siri for directions that avoid toll roads, highways, and more.
Audio
A persistent mini-player is now for the Now Playing CarPlay feature. The player shows artwork and playback controls in the top right corner of audio and media apps.
A progress bar is now included in the Now Playing interface in CarPlay, allowing you to jump to a specific spot in a song, podcast, or audiobook.
Video Apps
CarPlay apps can now include video browsing capabilities, allowing you to browse for and watch videos on your car’s infotainment display while parked. The video playback feature is blocked when your car is in motion (for safety reasons, DUH!) If you are watching a video and shift into drive, playback will switch to audio only.
While video apps require car manufacturers to enable support on the vehicle, and no automakers have announced plans to do so as yet, iPhone apps that offer support for AirPlay can stream content to the car’s display. The Apple TV app is the first confirmed iPhone app that will work with the feature.
New Wallpapers
CarPlay offers the new iOS 27 wallpapers, all formatted for the CarPlay interface, with 14 total options available.
CarPlay in iOS 27 also supports larger, more interactive content thumbnails, and it uses updated Liquid Glass icons for apps like Maps and Weather.
Route Data
Navigation apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps can now share route data with a vehicle including information like suggesting EV charging stops in directions.
Reliability and Location Accuracy
Wireless CarPlay is designed to be more reliable in iOS 27, with improved GPS location accuracy and navigation heading detection.
Compatibility and Availability
Using the new CarPlay features in iOS 27 requires a connected iPhone running iOS 27. Siri AI features require an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, (iPhone 15 Pro and later). iOS 27 is currently being beta tested by developers and public beta tester, and is expected to receive a public launch in September.
