The iOS 27 public beta is now available, and it includes several CarPlay changes worth checking out. CarPlay, Apple's in-car interface, has long been a favorite for drivers seeking a safe, integrated iPhone experience. With iOS 27, Apple focuses on refining core features, introducing new capabilities, and laying groundwork for future expansion. This article details the most impactful CarPlay upgrades users should test after updating.

CarPlay features to try in iOS 27

Siri AI

Siri AI is the flagship feature of iOS 27, and it extends to CarPlay. In fact, it proves especially useful via CarPlay, where hands-free interaction is paramount. Siri AI leverages large language models to answer questions grounded in personal context, world knowledge, and more. For instance, you can ask Siri to find a specific address or location from your email or text messages, then begin routing to that location—all using only your voice.

Robust, hands-free control is critical for driver safety, and iOS 27 finally gives Siri the power it deserves. Previous versions of Siri in CarPlay often struggled with complex queries or multi-step tasks. Now, Siri AI can parse intricate instructions, understand conversational follow-ups, and even summarize text from messages or notes. This upgrade transforms CarPlay into a genuinely intelligent assistant, reducing the need for manual interaction while driving. Additionally, Siri AI can now integrate with third-party apps more deeply, such as fetching meeting details from calendars or locating nearby points of interest based on natural language requests.

Now Playing changes

CarPlay in iOS 27 introduces a persistent "Now Playing" MiniPlayer throughout audio apps. This appears in the upper-right corner of the interface, displaying playback controls and album artwork without interrupting the main navigation or app view. Previously, users had to switch back to a media app to see what was playing or adjust controls; the MiniPlayer eliminates that friction.

Further, the Now Playing interface in CarPlay has been updated to include an audio scrubber at long last. You can drag the scrubber to skip to different parts of a song or podcast without using steering wheel controls or reaching for your iPhone. This long-requested feature brings CarPlay's media experience closer to that of native iPhone apps. The scrubber works with most audio sources, including Apple Music, podcast apps, and third-party streaming services compatible with CarPlay. The persistent MiniPlayer also supports quick actions like pause, skip, and volume adjustment, visible at a glance while the map or other core app remains prominent.

New wallpapers

CarPlay isn’t known for a robust collection of wallpapers, and Apple doesn’t let users use their own photos—a limitation that has frustrated customization enthusiasts for years. In iOS 27, Apple has at least added a set of new wallpapers that users can choose from. These are similar to the stock iOS 27 wallpapers available on iPhone, featuring vibrant gradients, abstract patterns, and nature-inspired motifs.

While not a game-changer, the addition gives CarPlay a fresher visual feel and helps distinguish the iOS 27 update from previous versions. The wallpapers update automatically based on time of day or ambient lighting, much like the dynamic wallpapers on iPhone. For users who spend significant time in their vehicles, this small aesthetic upgrade can reduce monotony. However, the lack of custom photo support remains a point of interest; industry speculation suggests Apple may be prioritizing safety by avoiding distracting personal images with high contrast or text.

Stability improvements

iOS 27 places a strong emphasis on platform improvements to performance and reliability, and that applies to CarPlay as well. Apple says iOS 27 addresses two key areas in CarPlay: improved navigation heading and GPS accuracy, and improved wireless CarPlay reliability.

GPS accuracy has been a pain point for some users, particularly in urban canyons or areas with weak satellite signals. iOS 27 integrates sensor fusion techniques, combining GPS data with accelerometer and gyroscope readings from the iPhone, along with vehicle wheel speed and steering angle when available, to maintain precise location tracking. This reduces instances where the map shows the car floating off the road or pointing in the wrong direction.

Wireless CarPlay reliability has also seen targeted fixes. Previous controversies involved dropped connections, lag between audio and video, or failure to auto-connect when entering the vehicle. iOS 27 optimizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi handshakes, improves buffering behavior, and reduces latency for audio streaming. Users running the beta report fewer disconnections and faster startup times. These stability enhancements make wireless CarPlay a more viable alternative to wired connections, which had remained the gold standard for consistent performance.

Coming soon(ish): Video app support

Finally, Apple says developers can now create dedicated video apps for CarPlay in iOS 27. The feature, however, requires support from automakers, meaning it may be a while before users can actually use any video apps with CarPlay in their vehicles. This move opens the door to video streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu while the car is parked, expanding CarPlay's utility beyond audio and navigation.

Video app support aligns with the broader trend of in-car entertainment, especially as electric vehicles increasingly serve as mobile lounges during charging stops. The implementation will likely require automakers to disable video playback while the vehicle is in motion, adhering to safety regulations. Some premium vehicles already offer native video apps through their own infotainment systems; CarPlay integration would bring a familiar interface and ecosystem to a wider range of cars. Developers have already begun testing video APIs, and early reports suggest smooth playback performance with intuitive controls. Mass adoption depends on automaker cooperation and firmware updates, which could roll out over the next year.

While the dream for many people is still CarPlay Ultra—a deeper integration that takes over vehicle instrument clusters and climate controls—it’s encouraging to see Apple make meaningful improvements to the version of CarPlay already available in millions of cars on the road today. Each of these upgrades enhances safety, convenience, and enjoyment behind the wheel.

Users running the iOS 27 public beta will find these changes making CarPlay more useful and reliable, with Siri AI leading the charge in hands-free interaction. Whether you prioritize navigation accuracy, media playback, or visual customization, the latest beta offers compelling reasons to update and explore.

Source: 9to5Mac News