Apple's iOS 27 update brings a set of new CarPlay features, but not every iPhone can use all of them. According to Engadget, the full experience requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, while older models get only part of the upgrade.
The update is available for the iPhone 11 and later, so most recent iPhone owners will see some changes. The catch is that the most advanced feature, the new AI-powered Siri, is limited to hardware that can run it.
iOS 27 CarPlay features
The biggest addition is support for video apps on the car's display. Until now, CarPlay entertainment was limited to audio services like Apple Music and Spotify. With iOS 27, drivers can watch video while parked; if the car starts moving, playback switches to audio-only for safety. Carmakers still need to implement support, so apps like YouTube or Netflix may not work in every vehicle yet.
Audio playback also improves: the Now Playing screen finally has a progress bar and a mini-player with album artwork, so you can skip tracks or podcasts without touching your iPhone. Apple says CarPlay is now more reliable, with a more consistent wireless connection and more accurate GPS. Apps can also share route data with the vehicle, letting it cross-check arrival times with Google Maps and Apple Maps and suggest charging stops along the way.
- Now Playing gets a progress bar and a persistent mini-player with album artwork and controls
- Video apps can run on the car display, but only when the vehicle is parked
- Navigation apps can share route data with the car, including EV charging stops
