The latest update, iOS 26, is packed with a variety of enhancements specifically designed for CarPlay users. This iteration introduces a refreshed Liquid Glass design, comprehensive support for widgets, and an intriguing new feature called AirPlay video in the car. Developers and automakers have the option to integrate this feature into their systems, further expanding the utility of CarPlay in modern vehicles.
Among the many changes in iOS 26, one particularly noteworthy feature that may not be on everyone's radar is the new Smart Display Zoom. Apple has designed this feature to enhance the adaptability of CarPlay across the myriad shapes and sizes of in-car screens. In a session video presented during WWDC 2025, Apple elaborated, “Vehicle screens come in many shapes and sizes. In iOS 26, some screen configurations allow drivers to adjust their display scale with Smart Display Zoom configurable within Settings in CarPlay. When Smart Display Zoom is enabled, your CarPlay app will be automatically resized to the new display scale.”
As of the initial iOS 26 beta, it is important to note that the Smart Display Zoom feature is disabled by default. Moreover, its availability is not universal; it seems to depend on the size of your car's infotainment display. Some vehicles may not support this feature at all. For instance, in my 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, I captured screenshots that illustrate how classic CarPlay user interface elements appear both with and without Smart Display Zoom enabled.
Here are some visual comparisons showcasing the differences in display options:
CarPlay Dashboard: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom App Grid: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Widgets Screen: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Messages App: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Now Playing in Music: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Home Tab in Music: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Now Playing in Podcasts: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Apple News App: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Route Picker: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Navigation: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Search: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display Zoom Settings App: Default Zoom vs. Smart Display ZoomIt is crucial to keep in mind that iOS 26 is currently in the early developer beta phase, which means that features and functionality are subject to change before the public release later this fall. As the update progresses, users can anticipate further refinements that will enhance their experience with CarPlay.
