Apple has taken another step toward bringing video playback to CarPlay. The first developer beta of iOS 26.4 includes new references to CarPlay video, suggesting the feature first previewed at WWDC 2025 is moving closer to launch.
At WWDC 2025, Apple confirmed that CarPlay would support video playback over AirPlay while a vehicle is parked. The feature requires integration from automakers to ensure video can only be accessed when the car is not in motion, reducing the risk of distracted driving. With iOS 26.4, new code strings point to onboarding screens, system notifications, and playback handling tied specifically to CarPlay video.
The iOS 26.4 beta also contains references indicating that Apple TV will be supported within CarPlay. Code snippets show prompts asking users to review privacy information and sign in to Apple TV from their iPhone before accessing content in the car. If a user attempts to open subscription content while driving, the system appears designed to block access and display a message instructing them to try again when parked.
This aligns with Apple’s broader approach to in-car safety. CarPlay video is expected to work only when the vehicle is in park, similar to how some built-in infotainment systems restrict video playback. Automakers will need to implement support on their end, which means rollout could vary by manufacturer and model even after Apple officially enables the feature.
Bringing Apple TV to CarPlay makes sense given the growing size and resolution of in-car displays. Many modern vehicles, especially electric vehicles, feature large infotainment screens that are well suited for streaming while waiting at a charging station. Access to Up Next, Library, and other familiar Apple TV sections through CarPlay could make downtime in the car more useful for passengers.
That said, the experience will depend heavily on the quality of a vehicle’s display. Some infotainment panels lack the brightness and color accuracy of an iPhone or iPad. Even so, a dashboard display connected to the car’s speaker system offers a more shared viewing experience for passengers.
As with any beta discovery, there is no guarantee that CarPlay video with Apple TV will ship in the public release of iOS 26.4. Apple has previously removed features found in early builds or delayed them to later updates. Still, the growing number of references in the iOS 26.4 beta strongly suggests that CarPlay video support is actively being finalized.
