Apple is preparing to add one of the most anticipated features for CarPlay users, quietly revealing during the WWDC 2026 conference that it will support playing and browsing videos directly on the car screen with iOS 27. This comes after Google announced video playback support for Android Auto, in an increasing competition between the two companies to develop in-car entertainment systems.

Although the feature seems attractive, its use will be restricted to maintain safety. It will only work when the car is completely stationary, while playback switches to audio-only mode as soon as the vehicle starts moving.

Integrated viewing experience on the car screen
 

The new feature will allow users to browse video libraries within compatible apps, such as video streaming services, with thumbnail previews of content and a small player containing basic controls. Users will also be able to open a dedicated page for each video, add it to a playlist, and play it in full-screen mode with 10-second skip forward/backward and subtitle display options.

Apple explained that the feature will be available for developers to integrate into their apps and will rely on AirPlay technology, which the company began supporting in CarPlay since iOS 26.4, but in a more advanced form that allows content browsing rather than just displaying the phone screen.

Obstacles that may delay the feature's arrival

Although Apple announced the feature, its actual availability will depend on car manufacturers' support. The feature requires information and entertainment systems with appropriate technical specifications, including screens with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080, H.265 (HEVC) encoding support, and at least 4GB of memory, which are not available in many current cars.

The car must also be able to verify that it is stationary before allowing video playback, which requires direct support from manufacturers.

So far, no car manufacturer has officially announced its support for video playback via CarPlay. Meanwhile, Google has already revealed a number of companies that will support video playback on Android Auto, such as Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Skoda.

It seems that the video playback feature in CarPlay won't reach users immediately after the launch of iOS 27; instead, it will gradually appear with new cars that provide the necessary support or after car manufacturers announce their systems' compatibility with the feature in the coming period.