Apple’s first developer beta of iOS 26.4 includes new code pointing toward a long-anticipated feature: video playback through CarPlay via AirPlay, with Apple TV integration front and center.
The feature was first previewed at WWDC 2025, when Apple revealed plans to let CarPlay users watch video in their vehicles while parked. The iOS 26.4 beta now includes onboarding flows, notification hooks, and UI references that suggest the feature is nearing launch.
How CarPlay Video Will Work
According to code discovered in the beta, CarPlay video will require automaker cooperation — vehicle systems must verify the car is parked before enabling playback, a safety measure to prevent distracted driving. This means rollout will depend on individual manufacturers adding support on their end.
Key findings in the iOS 26.4 beta code:
- Onboarding flows — New setup screens for CarPlay video first-time use
- Apple TV integration — References to the TV app within CarPlay, including subscription prompts (e.g., “Subscribe to Apple TV on your iPhone while not driving”)
- AirPlay video in-car — The feature streams content from iPhone to the vehicle’s CarPlay display
- Park-only restriction — Playback requires vehicle to be stationary
No Guarantee for iOS 26.4 Final
While the code is present in the beta, Apple sometimes removes features found in early builds or continues iterating across subsequent updates before going live. The automaker dependency adds another variable — even after Apple ships the software, individual car manufacturers will need to push their own updates.
The feature would mark a significant expansion of CarPlay’s capabilities, transforming it from a navigation and audio tool into a full entertainment platform for parked vehicles.
Source: MacRumors
