new iOS 26 is deploying updates to CarPlay, the system that links with your vehicle’s internal display to manage features such as navigation, calls, music, and more. With these enhancements, CarPlay now enables drivers to view videos on the vehicle’s display, albeit with a stipulation. The vehicle must be stationary; driving while a video is playing concurrently is prohibited, even if it’s a FaceTime call. Therefore, if you wish to stream Apple TV, you now can choose that app via the CarPlay interface and view the video, including utilizing the touchscreen to pause, switch episodes, and access show details.
While driving and initiating a FaceTime call, only the audio will be available. You will not be able to see the other party, nor can they see you. Although there may be certain apps that users attempt to employ to circumvent these regulations, Apple’s definitive position in iOS 26 is that FaceTime video is not enabled via CarPlay. This is somewhat intriguing because iOS 26 permits CarPlay videos when parked, but FaceTime does not appear to be part of that allowance. Notably, several CarPlay users in a Reddit discussion mentioned that FaceTime videos momentarily functioned for them upon the release of iOS 26, although this experience does not seem to be widespread.