If you have ever found yourself killing time in an EV charging stall or crawling through the school pickup line, you have probably looked at that big infotainment screen and thought, “This thing could be doing more.” Apple appears ready to grant that wish, because video playback through Apple CarPlay is now showing up as a real, usable feature in the latest iOS beta builds, with Apple TV positioned as the most obvious starting point.
Apple originally told developers that “video in the car” support was coming as part of iOS 26, but it did not arrive in the earlier releases. The big shift is that developers can now access the functionality in the iOS 26.4 developer beta, and early demos show an Apple TV style app experience living right on the CarPlay home screen with familiar browsing, searching, and watchlist access.
The really interesting part is how Apple is handling video beyond Apple TV. The framework appears to allow a form of video streaming from the iPhone to the vehicle display for apps that do not have a dedicated CarPlay version, which could open the door for more services over time. In demos, this can include prompts that keep the phone involved, suggesting Apple is being careful about how playback is initiated and controlled.
There are two major catches, and they are both important. First, automakers have to opt in by enabling the feature through their software integration, meaning it may not show up in every CarPlay-equipped vehicle automatically. Second, video playback is designed to be locked out unless the vehicle is parked, which is the only responsible way to do this without turning your dash into a rolling distraction machine.
Assuming it makes the jump from beta to public release, this could become one of those small quality-of-life upgrades that you end up using constantly without thinking about it. It is not about watching a movie on your commute, it is about making the downtime around driving a little more pleasant while keeping safety guardrails in place. Now the big question is how many automakers will actually flip the switch, and how quickly they will do it once Apple pushes the feature live.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
