Apple’s CarPlay in-car infotainment system has technically allowed developers to create video applications since the launch of iOS 26 in September 2025. However, despite this capability, no vehicle manufacturers or app developers have yet taken advantage of it.
A description of the “video in car” feature on Apple’s developer site, as highlighted by 9to5Mac, sheds light on why video apps haven’t appeared on CarPlay displays. The developer page indicates that users can AirPlay videos from their iPhone to the CarPlay system. Crucially, this feature, similar to Android Auto, will only function when the car is parked, preventing video playback while driving.
While the ability for CarPlay apps to play video isn’t entirely new, the recent emphasis on Apple’s developer site suggests that apps and vehicles supporting CarPlay video features might emerge in the near future.
The developer website includes the following statement regarding the feature:
“AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren’t driving. Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car.”
Furthermore, the page specifies that automakers will need to enable this functionality and participate in Apple’s MFi Program, which certifies official accessories:
“If you are interested in supporting CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, AirPlay video, or car keys in your vehicle system, learn more about the MFi Program.”
Streaming video apps will likely slowly add CarPlay support
Third-party accessories already enable streaming video with Apple’s in-car infotainment system.
The timeline for video apps to become widely available on CarPlay remains uncertain. Car manufacturers that integrate CarPlay into their vehicles must first enable the feature, and then developers need to incorporate in-car AirPlay video support into their applications. Given the typically slow pace of innovation within the automotive industry, this process could span several months or even years.
While AirPlay might not be the most ideal method for in-car video viewing, an official solution that doesn’t require an expensive accessory would be a welcome addition for those who wish to watch content, such as the latest episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, while waiting in a parked vehicle. It is worth noting that several third-party wireless CarPlay adapters, featuring their own operating system overlays, already provide access to a wide range of streaming video apps on Apple’s infotainment platform.
