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Automotive Technology

Multi-Touch and Sports Scoreboard Expand CarPlay’s In-Car Experience for iOS 18.4 and iOS 26

By Robert DeLuca in CarPlay on

Two Targeted CarPlay Enhancements Arrive, Reflecting Apple’s Broader Strategy

With the introduction of iOS 18.4 and the upcoming iOS 26, Apple is refining CarPlay through focused feature upgrades, deepening its integration into the automotive experience while reinforcing its adaptability for both mainstream and advanced vehicle systems. These adjustments—centered on multi-touch navigation and real-time sports updates—underscore Apple's commitment to meaningful, user-focused innovation.

Sports Mode: Real-Time Scores at a Glance

Apple first introduced a new 'sports mode' for CarPlay audio apps with iOS 18.4, released in late March 2025, according to MacRumors. This improvement enables live sports streaming apps to display a dynamic scoreboard directly within the CarPlay interface, placing team logos, scores, and game clocks alongside existing playback controls. Compared to earlier CarPlay iterations—where audio-only content dominated—this update addresses a long-standing request from sports fans for more contextually rich, real-time information during live games.

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iOS 26 Transforms CarPlay: Visual and Functional Upgrades Aim at Seamless In-Car Integration

By Robert DeLuca in iOS 26 on

Apple Deepens CarPlay Experience with iOS 26: What Enthusiasts Need to Know

Apple’s annual WWDC keynote frequently showcases sweeping software advancements, but this year’s iOS 26 announcement draws particular interest among the Apple enthusiast community for its explicit focus on CarPlay. According to multiple sources including MacRumors and 9to5Mac, Apple positions the in-car experience as a core extension of its ecosystem, aligning CarPlay more closely with the evolving iOS design language and feature integration.

Liquid Glass Design: A New Visual Standard

With iOS 26, CarPlay adopts the new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic—first introduced this year across iOS, macOS, and watchOS. This design philosophy infuses shimmery icons and translucent interface elements into CarPlay, mirroring the contemporary look seen on iPhone and Mac. Apple claims these changes introduce greater visual depth and personalization (source: Apple press materials).

Comparative Context

Apple’s iterative approach to design alignment echoes earlier system-wide visual

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Polestar Confirms Ongoing Commitment to Apple CarPlay Ultra Integration

By Robert DeLuca in CarPlay Ultra on

Polestar Confirms Ongoing Commitment to Apple CarPlay Ultra Integration

Apple’s CarPlay Ultra is entering the automotive landscape at a measured pace, but not without momentum from notable partners. On June 2, Polestar, the electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Volvo Car Group umbrella, confirmed to MacRumors that it continues to plan for CarPlay Ultra integration in its forthcoming EV models. While the company stopped short of providing a concrete timeline or additional rollout specifics, this public affirmation stands out as several automakers remain silent about their future plans for CarPlay Ultra.

What Is CarPlay Ultra?

Launched in May 2025, CarPlay Ultra represents Apple’s next-generation in-car user interface. Expanding far beyond earlier versions of CarPlay, the system now offers:

  • Deep integration with a vehicle’s instrument cluster and native systems
  • Support for built-in apps, including Radio and Climate controls
  • Customizable widgets and tailored automotive branding
  • Adjustable color schemes for
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