Passengers Can Now Watch iPhone Videos on Car Screens via Updated CarPlay
In a recent announcement to developers, Apple confirmed that CarPlay users will soon be able to stream videos from their iPhones directly to their car’s infotainment screen using AirPlay technology .
This is a major enhancement to the in-car experience, especially for passengers who want to enjoy media content on the go — though drivers won’t be able to use the feature while the vehicle is in motion.
🔌 How the Feature Works
The new functionality relies on Apple AirPlay , allowing seamless wireless streaming from an iPhone to the car display. Here’s how it works:
- Users connect their iPhone to CarPlay (wired or wireless)
- Open a video app (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Disney+)
- Tap the AirPlay icon
- Select the car display as the output device
Once connected, the video will appear on the car’s screen and can be controlled using the touchscreen or voice commands via Siri.
⚠️ Safety First: Videos Stop When Car Is Moving
To prevent distractions while driving, Apple has built-in automatic safeguards :
- The feature will only work when the vehicle is parked
- If the car starts moving, playback will automatically pause
This ensures compliance with safety regulations and reduces any temptation for drivers to watch videos behind the wheel.
🔧 What Developers and Carmakers Need to Do
Apple has advised developers to integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this functionality. Similarly, car manufacturers must also add compatibility to their systems for users to access the feature.
Because of these requirements, the rollout may take time , and not all vehicles will support the feature immediately.
It’s still unclear whether:
- This will be limited to CarPlay Ultra or available on standard CarPlay
- Older models can get support through software updates
- Or if it will only be available on newer cars equipped with compatible hardware
🤖 Android Auto Also Getting New Features
On the competing side, Google has announced updates to Android Auto , including:
- Beta testing for weather app integration
- Upcoming support for video apps and browsers in Android Auto
These moves suggest both tech giants are pushing to make their in-car platforms more versatile and entertainment-friendly.
📅 When Will It Arrive?
The feature is expected to arrive with the launch of iOS 18 , likely in late 2025 . Once released, it should roll out automatically to compatible devices and vehicles that have implemented the required support.
