# CarPlay in iOS 26: Upgrades and Features
iOS 26 has rolled out numerous enhancements for CarPlay enthusiasts, elevating the in-vehicle experience with a revamped Liquid Glass design, widget integration, and a novel feature that enables AirPlay video playback in cars. One of the key modifications that has attracted considerable attention is the Smart Display Zoom option, aimed at optimizing the CarPlay interface for varying screen dimensions and formats.
## Smart Display Zoom
Apple’s Smart Display Zoom capability is intended to enhance the flexibility of CarPlay for diverse vehicle displays. Based on a session video from WWDC 2025, Apple clarifies that this feature permits drivers to modify the display scale via the CarPlay settings. When activated, CarPlay applications automatically adjust their size to conform to the new display scale, delivering a larger and more intuitive interface.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to recognize that Smart Display Zoom is turned off by default for the majority of vehicles and may not be accessible on all car models, contingent on the dimensions of the infotainment display.
## Visual Comparisons
To demonstrate the effect of Smart Display Zoom, screenshots from a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E highlight the variations in several CarPlay user interface components with and without the feature active.
### CarPlay Dashboard
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### App Grid
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Messages App
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Now Playing in Music
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Home Tab in Music
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Now Playing in Podcasts
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Apple News App
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Apple Maps Features
– **Route Picker:**
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
– **Navigation:**
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
– **Search:**
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
### Settings App
– **Default Zoom:**
– **Smart Display Zoom:**
## Conclusion
The debut of Smart Display Zoom in iOS 26 marks a notable advancement in tailoring the CarPlay experience to accommodate a range of vehicle displays. As users delve into the new functionalities, feedback on the enhancements will likely influence upcoming updates and improvements. Have you experimented with Smart Display Zoom? What are your opinions on the new features in iOS 26’s CarPlay?
