iOS 26 Upgrades CarPlay: Now Your Phone Is Your Car Key

【PCauto】The iOS 26 CarPlay upgrade indeed brings noteworthy changes worth discussing in detail. This update primarily focuses on two aspects: enhanced CarPlay functionality and expanded utility of CarKey, both aiming to redefine how we interact with vehicles.

From Screen Mirroring to Vehicle Control Hub: The Evolution of CarPlay

The previous version of CarPlay was essentially an extension of the smartphone interface, but CarPlay Ultra now allows users to control basic vehicle functions directly through the car's infotainment system. According to Apple's official demonstration, it can now adjust the fan speed of air conditioning, switch radio stations, and even control seat heating levels.

It is known that brands like BMW and Hyundai are advancing compatibility. The significance of this deep integration lies in reducing the hassle of frequently switching between the car's native menu and CarPlay while driving. The interface has also undergone a major redesign, adopting a new design language called "Liquid Glass," which features smoother, more rounded icon edges and automatic light/dark mode switching based on ambient lighting.

Dynamic effect upgrades are relatively restrained, mainly incorporating subtle depth changes during swiping motions, avoiding the excessive visual flair seen in some vehicle control interfaces that can distract drivers.

Introducing New Widgets for Enhanced Functionality

At the edge of the navigation interface, users can pin widgets to display calendar events or flight statuses, and the weather card can update the precipitation probability for the destination in real time. The most praised improvement is the optimized call popup where incoming call notifications are minimized into a top banner, no longer obscuring the entire navigation map, with full-screen navigation instantly resumed after ending the call.  

The messaging features have become more user-friendly as well. You can press a conversation for a while to pin frequent contacts, and when receiving a friend's location, Apple Maps can automatically start for route planning. The newly added "Visited Places" feature in Maps anonymously records frequently visited locations (such as your office or gym), and actively suggests alternate routes to avoid traffic during your commute home.

Replacing Physical Car Keys with Phones: One Step Closer

The CarKey feature of iOS 26 has become more practical. It is currently compatible with iPhone XS and later models, as well as Apple Watch Series 5 and newer watches. The operation is very simple—just tap your phone against the door handle using NFC to unlock, and after getting in the car, place the phone on the wireless charging pad to start the engine.

BMW models additionally support UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, automatically unlocking when the phone is within approximately 3 meters of the vehicle. The real pain point solved is the Quick Mode, which allows unlocking by touching the door handle directly when the phone is in a locked state, eliminating the need for Face ID authentication beforehand.  

Remote control features of Wallet app depend on automaker implementation. Currently, the Genesis GV60 supports remote air conditioning activation via the app, though locking the car still requires proximity to the vehicle.

Key sharing may be the most needed feature for family users. In the Wallet App, users can select a shared key and send it via iMessage to a contact, with customizable permissions (e.g., weekend-only access) or expiration times (as short as one hour). Parents lending cars to their children no longer need to hand over physical keys, and valet parking becomes more convenient.  

In the security mechanism, all key data is end-to-end encrypted and stored in the secure chip. Lost phones can remotely disable keys via the Find My network. The low-power mode is thoughtfully designed: even if the iPhone battery is run out, NFC unlocking remains available for up to five hours—enough to handle emergencies.

Real-World Limitations Remain for Some Key Features

The depth of CarPlay Ultra's vehicle control entirely depends on automakers granting permissions. Currently, only brands like BMW, Genesis, and Kia have committed to supporting core functions such as air conditioning, while most others only provide basic media controls. Data security also remain a concern for automakers, given that the system involves access to a vehicle's underlying controls.  

The adoption of CarKey faces similar hardware limitations. Older car models require the installation of NFC modules, while UWB modules are even more costly. User habits also pose a barrier—many still worry about scenarios like "what if my phone runs out of the battery?" (despite existing emergency solutions) or find pulling out a phone less convenient than traditional keyless entry.  

As for practicality, this upgrade does address real pain points. CarPlay Ultra creates a more improved infotainment system, reducing driver distraction, while CarKey simplifies key management—especially for users already accustomed to mobile payments. However, for now, these features remain "nice-to-haves" rather than "must-haves," particularly if your car isn't yet on Apple's partnership list.