This is well timed because Apple is preparing the next major update, and many drivers are wondering what will be new when iOS 27 arrives later this year.
Introduction
Apple CarPlay has become one of the most popular in-car infotainment systems, offering seamless access to navigation, music, messaging and phone calls from your iPhone. With iOS 27 on the horizon, Apple is preparing another wave of improvements designed to make driving safer, smarter and more connected.
Here’s everything we know so far about the biggest Apple CarPlay features expected to arrive with iOS 27.
A More Customisable Dashboard
One of the biggest expected improvements is greater control over the CarPlay dashboard.
Drivers should be able to personalise layouts more easily, allowing frequently used apps, widgets and navigation tools to appear exactly where they want them. Apple continues to move towards a more personalised experience across iPhone, iPad and Mac, and CarPlay is expected to follow the same direction.
Smarter Navigation
Navigation remains the heart of CarPlay, and iOS 27 is expected to make journeys even easier. If you rely on navigation every day, our guide to the best Apple CarPlay navigation app compares the main options.
Expected improvements include:
- Better live traffic information
- More intelligent route suggestions
- Improved EV charging integration
- Enhanced multi-stop journey planning
- Faster rerouting around congestion
For electric vehicle owners, these updates could make long-distance travel even more convenient by improving charging stop recommendations and battery-aware routing.
Better Messaging and Communication
Apple is also expected to improve communication while driving.
Possible enhancements include:
- Smarter Siri message summaries
- Improved voice dictation
- Faster reply suggestions
- Cleaner notification management
- Reduced driver distraction
These changes aim to help drivers stay connected without taking their eyes off the road.
Improved Music and Entertainment
Apple Music is likely to receive several refinements inside CarPlay.
Expected improvements include:
- Faster browsing
- Better playlist recommendations
- Improved album artwork
- Smoother playback controls
- More personalised listening suggestions
Third-party music services such as Spotify and Amazon Music are also expected to benefit from improved system performance.
Smarter Siri
Apple continues to invest heavily in Siri, and CarPlay should benefit from those improvements.
Drivers can expect faster responses, better natural language understanding and improved voice control across supported apps.
This should make it easier to adjust navigation, control music, send messages and manage smart home devices while driving.
Better Support for Electric Vehicles
As more drivers switch to electric vehicles, Apple is continuing to improve EV support.
Expected features include:
- Improved battery-aware navigation
- More accurate charging stop planning
- Better compatibility with supported vehicle manufacturers
- Enhanced charging information during journeys
These updates could prove especially useful for drivers planning longer trips, especially when paired with features such as EV battery preconditioning.
Which Cars Will Support the New Features?
Most vehicles that already support Apple CarPlay should receive the new software features simply by updating to iOS 27 on a compatible iPhone.
Some advanced functionality may depend on individual vehicle manufacturers and newer infotainment systems.
Expected Release Date
Apple is expected to release iOS 27 to the public this autumn following several months of beta testing.
Compatible iPhone users will be able to install the update free of charge, bringing the latest CarPlay improvements without needing to replace their vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Apple CarPlay continues to evolve into one of the best in-car infotainment systems available. While Apple has yet to confirm every feature coming with iOS 27, the expected improvements focus on making driving safer, more personalised and better suited to modern connected vehicles.
For drivers who rely on CarPlay every day, iOS 27 looks set to deliver another worthwhile upgrade when it arrives later this year. For more day-to-day advice, see our Apple CarPlay apps guide.
