Watch iPhone videos in the car: “AirPlay in the car” runs

Video on the car screen via CarPlay? So far this is unthinkable. Just like the use of a web browser, Apple prohibits such applications, because the group wants to prevent the driver from using them in driving and can be distracted by traffic. In the future, however, this should still work: With iOS 26, which is scheduled to appear in September, “AirPlay in the car” will be implemented for the first time. This makes it possible to display videos directly on the main screen of the vehicle when it is. As with CarPlay itself, the source is an iPhone.

Is it also possible in every car?

At the moment it cannot be said which vehicles are specifically supported by the function. Apple shares Developers from the automotive industry With the fact that you can allow users to “look at your favorite content while not driving”. But it is also clear that this is not possible without technical changes: “Integrate the support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to activate this function in your vehicles.” A further documentation of which specific requirements there are-whether for example, the existing car entertainment system must have certain features-has not yet published Apple.

In other vehicles such as Tesla models, video can already be played. Others offer suitable technology for Android phones. Here, too, this usually only works when the car has been parked. Carplay also needs a corresponding signal. Apple apparently does not seem to plan to allow video apps directly, at least this does not show from the previous information. Instead, the iPhone should always serve as a outgoing play station, just as you know this via AirPlay from televisions or Apple TV boxes.

A developer has already tried it

Apple must also take the traffic law into account when implementing. In some countries, such video applications are simply prohibited or only allowed in a parked condition. Accordingly, it is not yet said how geographically the function with iOS 26 is rolled out. Most recently, app developers had tried to bring the corresponding functions into the car. However, this happened without Apple’s approval.

The development behind the Sidecar app Had a new function that existed in April in April for briefly displayed the possibility of displaying websites and videos on the vehicle screen. Apple reacted promptly and ensured that the features were deactivated.