Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that iOS 26.4 beta code reveals that Apple is developing video playback capabilities for CarPlay, including access to Apple TV.
- The feature was originally announced with iOS 26, but requires car manufacturer integration before being made available to users.
- Security measures are built into the code, with strings indicating that video content will only be accessible when the vehicles are stationary.
Code references in the latest version of iOS point to what might sound like a surprising new feature in CarPlay: the ability to play movies and TV shows in the car.
iOS 26.4, which just went live in beta, contains two strings of leaks, both of which mention important security measures. “When you’re not driving,” reads the first, “open Apple TV on iPhone and view privacy information.” While the other reads: “When you’re not driving, sign in to Apple TV on iPhone.”
These code strings were spotted by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris, who posted his discovery on Twitter/X. Apple news website 9to5Mac also noted five links that contain the words “CarPlayVideoPlayback” alongside terms like “ClimateControls” and “Notifications”.
It’s worth noting that while these snippets hint at a feature nearing launch, the concept isn’t a complete surprise. “In Car Video” was originally announced as part of the iOS 26 update last year and is still mentioned in the CarPlay section of Apple’s developer site.
“AirPlay video in the car allows people to watch their favorite iPhone videos right on their CarPlay display when they’re not driving,” the site explains. “Integrate CarPlay support with AirPlay video to activate this feature in your car.”
That’s the key: the authorization and integration of this feature was left up to the automakers. And so far, no automaker has decided to do so, nor has it announced that it intends to do so in the future. But this latest discovery suggests that progress is finally being made.