Millions of drivers due free TV upgrade in car that lets you watch telly – and it'll work even on old motors
That's not the only big upgrade either
AUTOMO-TV Millions of drivers due free TV upgrade in car that lets you watch telly – and it'll work even on old motors
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A CLEVER upgrade to cars across the world will let you watch video on your motor's built-in screen.
It's all thanks to a new update to Apple CarPlay, which is in millions of cars globally – and unsurprisingly, there's a big catch.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
7
Apple CarPlay is getting a major update this year
Credit: Apple
7
CarPlay will be upgraded as part of the iOS 26 update for iPhones – which we're expecting in September
Credit: Apple
The feature will only work if you're parked.
That's to prevent drivers from catching up on Love Island on the M25 – a dangerous combination.
With CarPlay, your iPhone takes over your car's screen, giving you access to your apps, music, contacts and more.
And with the iOS 26 update for iPhone later this year, you'll be able to beam video from your mobile to your car's display.
This works through the same AirPlay feature that lets you stream iPhone video to your telly.
So you could play a video that was saved to your Photos app.
Or you could use one of the many TV apps that support AirPlay to easily stream content to your Apple CarPlay monitor in your car.
That includes Apple TV+ and YouTube – or any other app that offers CarPlay.
"AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favourite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren't driving," Apple explains.
The other catch is that your carmaker will need to switch the feature on.
Apples's big announcements from WWDC with a flurry new features for the gadgets you already own
CarPlay is managed by Apple, but your car provider still needs to activate the new ability to watch TV.
And it won't go live until at least September, when we're expecting iOS 26 to roll out to millions of iPhone models as a free update.
But plenty of cars support CarPlay.
CarPlay launched back in 2014, and more than 800 models of motor across 40 brands now support it.
7
CarPlay gets a brand new Liquid Glass look
Credit: Apple
7
You'll be able to quickly respond to messages with Tapbacks
Credit: Apple
Apple recently revealed that it's used more than 600 million times a day.
So there's a good chance that the new feature will come to your car in the near future.
DRIVE ON
That wasn't the only car upgrade from Apple.
This week, the company held its WWDC 2025 event in California, revealing all of its major software updates for the year ahead.
IOS 26 SUPPORTED DEVICES – THE FULL LIST
Here are the iOS 26 supported devices... iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Picture Credit: Apple
For a start, Apple CarPlay is getting the new Liquid Glass look that other Apple gadgets are getting later this year.
That gives the apps a glassy new aesthetic with a translucent design.
And you'll be able to send Tapbacks to texts – they're the quick emoji reactions that are already available in the Messages app on iPhone.
There's support for widgets on screen, as well as Live Activities (which could show sports scores, for instance).
7
The new CarPlay will also let you watch telly while parked
Credit: Apple
And Apple has also finally debuted CarPlay Ultra, which is the supercharged version of CarPlay only currently available with one car brand.
Instead of just replacing your infotainment screen, CarPlay Ultra also serves as a customisable instrument panel (showing your speed and fuel and so on), as well as allowing you to control car functions like heating.
During a sit-down interview with The Sun, Apple's Greg 'Joz'' Joswiak said: 'We're also bringing out that next generation of CarPlay, which we just brought out for the first time about a month ago."
Joz continued: 'CarPlay is this beautiful ability to use the features of your phone.
7
CarPlay Ultra is an even more advanced version of CarPlay that lets you view and control core car functions
Credit: Apple
'We wanted to have an experience with CarPlay Ultra that allows you – through that same interface that you can control your phone – to also control the aspects of your car
'Whether it's the seat heaters or the heating system in general, or even the car radio.
'Things that are outside of normal iPhone capabilities. To control these with CarPlay Ultra.
'We're very happy with the initial rollout of that. Some of the first vehicles started coming out last month. There's plenty more brands working on it.'
7
The new CarPlay Ultra offers a customisable instrument panel
Credit: Apple
CarPlay Ultra is currently available in new models from British motoring giant Aston Martin, but it's expected to arrive in other vehicles in the future too.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Find hidden discounts with brainy new phone trick that instantly slashes cost of shopping – I've already tried it out
WHO doesn't love a discount? Sadly they're hard to find – but a new iPhone trick has you covered. Apple has just announced a clever upgrade for millions of iPhones that may be able to help you bag a top deal, and I've already seen it in action. 7 Your iPhone has a new feature coming that lets you 'highlight to search' Credit: Apple 7 You'll be able to quickly track down items that you want to buy Credit: Apple 7 Then you can snap up the one with the best price Credit: Apple I took a trip to Apple Park HQ in California this week, where I was able to check out some of the new iPhone upgrades coming in iOS 26 later this year. One of the big changes was an improvement to Visual Intelligence, which is an iPhone feature that 'scans' what you're looking at through the camera. With the new update, you can now 'scan' what you're looking at on screen. That means you can take a screenshot of an object you like the look of, and have it 'scanned' by Apple Intelligence AI tech. HOW NEW VISUAL INTELLIGENCE WORKS Imagine you've seen a lovely lamp in the background of a picture. You can screenshot it, and then use Visual Intelligence by scrubbing your finger over the lamp (or circling it works too, I found). Your iPhone will then surface that exact lamp and/or ones that look exactly like it. It'll list them alongside their prices on Google, Etsy, and other supported shopping apps on your phone. So you can then find the exact type of lamp you're looking for, and nab it from wherever is offering the best price. It won't just work with lamps: you could do this with a pair of trousers, or a drinks coaster, or even a sofa. Apple interview with Greg Joz Joswiak on new artificial intelligence, screening, hold assist, carplay, liquid glass and ios updates And even if you don't want the exact item, you can find similar ones – making it the ultimate "dupe" hunter. I tried it out at Apple HQ and it managed to track down a specific bird feeder almost instantly. And it offered very similar alternatives – all of which were varying in price. It was quick and easy, and took me from seeing the item to finding it on sale in a matter of seconds. 7 7 7 You can imagine this being a godsend for trying to find a nice jacket that you saw a celeb wear, or snapping up a nice bowl that you saw at a hotel on holiday. HOW TO ACCESS VISUAL INTELLIGENCE TODAY So when can you use it? Well Visual Intelligence is already available now, but it's only for telling you about items you've snapped a pic of – like identifying a dog breed, for example. The new screenshot-scanning feature is coming in iOS 26. IOS 26 SUPPORTED DEVICES – THE FULL LIST Here are the iOS 26 supported devices... iPhone 16e iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (3rd gen) iPhone SE (2nd gen) Picture Credit: Apple If you want to use Visual Intelligence with your camera today, you'll need to press the Camera Control button. That's the button on the side of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. If your iPhone doesn't have that, you can instead customise the Action Button or Lock Screen to do Visual Intelligence instead – or you could add it to your Control Centre. That's what you'll need to do if you've got an iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max. 7 The new Visual Intelligence features are arriving with the upcoming iOS 26 update for iPhones Credit: Apple If you have an older iPhone, this feature won't work – as it relies on Apple Intelligence. Then just snap a pic and you'll be able to get info about what you're seeing. When iOS 26 lands later this year (likely in September), you'll just need to take a screenshot of an image, rub your finger on the item, and then search it using the built-in tool.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Find hidden discounts with brainy new phone trick that instantly slashes cost of shopping – I've already tried it out
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, WHO doesn't love a discount? Sadly they're hard to find – but a new iPhone trick has you covered. Apple has just announced a clever upgrade for millions of iPhones that may be able to help you bag a top deal, and I've already seen it in action. I took a trip to Apple Park HQ in California this week, where I was able to check out some of the new iPhone upgrades coming in iOS 26 later this year. One of the big changes was an improvement to Visual Intelligence, which is an iPhone feature that 'scans' what you're looking at through the camera. With the new update, you can now 'scan' what you're looking at on screen. That means you can take a screenshot of an object you like the look of, and have it 'scanned' by Apple Intelligence AI tech. HOW NEW VISUAL INTELLIGENCE WORKS Imagine you've seen a lovely lamp in the background of a picture. You can screenshot it, and then use Visual Intelligence by scrubbing your finger over the lamp (or circling it works too, I found). Your iPhone will then surface that exact lamp and/or ones that look exactly like it. It'll list them alongside their prices on Google, Etsy, and other supported shopping apps on your phone. So you can then find the exact type of lamp you're looking for, and nab it from wherever is offering the best price. It won't just work with lamps: you could do this with a pair of trousers, or a drinks coaster, or even a sofa. Apple interview with Greg Joz Joswiak on new artificial intelligence, screening, hold assist, carplay, liquid glass and ios updates And even if you don't want the exact item, you can find similar ones – making it the ultimate "dupe" hunter. I tried it out at Apple HQ and it managed to track down a specific bird feeder almost instantly. And it offered very similar alternatives – all of which were varying in price. It was quick and easy, and took me from seeing the item to finding it on sale in a matter of seconds. 7 7 7 You can imagine this being a godsend for trying to find a nice jacket that you saw a celeb wear, or snapping up a nice bowl that you saw at a hotel on holiday. HOW TO ACCESS VISUAL INTELLIGENCE TODAY So when can you use it? Well Visual Intelligence is already available now, but it's only for telling you about items you've snapped a pic of – like identifying a dog breed, for example. The new screenshot-scanning feature is coming in iOS 26. IOS 26 SUPPORTED DEVICES – THE FULL LIST Here are the iOS 26 supported devices... iPhone 16e iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Plus iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 13 iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 12 iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone SE (3rd gen) iPhone SE (2nd gen) Picture Credit: Apple If you want to use Visual Intelligence with your camera today, you'll need to press the Camera Control button. That's the button on the side of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. If your iPhone doesn't have that, you can instead customise the Action Button or Lock Screen to do Visual Intelligence instead – or you could add it to your Control Centre. That's what you'll need to do if you've got an iPhone 16e, iPhone 15 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you have an older iPhone, this feature won't work – as it relies on Apple Intelligence. Then just snap a pic and you'll be able to get info about what you're seeing. When iOS 26 lands later this year (likely in September), you'll just need to take a screenshot of an image, rub your finger on the item, and then search it using the built-in tool.
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Beta 1 vs iOS 18: The Ultimate Speed Test
How does iOS 26 Beta 1 compare to the well-established iOS 18? With Apple consistently refining its operating systems, this comparison provides valuable insights into performance, responsiveness, and stability. Whether you're interested in speed enhancements or overall system reliability, understanding these differences sheds light on Apple's ongoing software evolution and what users can expect from the latest beta release. The video below from Nick Ackerman tests the two versions of iOS side by side. Watch this video on YouTube. Performance: A Closer Look How does iOS 26 Beta 1 perform when stacked against iOS 18? Early benchmarks indicate that iOS 26 Beta 1 introduces incremental improvements in speed and efficiency. App launch times are marginally faster, and multitasking feels smoother, particularly when switching between lightweight applications. However, these improvements are not uniform across all apps, as the beta version still exhibits some variability. In contrast, iOS 18, as a mature and polished release, delivers consistent and reliable performance. Years of updates and optimizations have ensured that iOS 18 sets a high standard for stability and efficiency. While iOS 26 Beta 1 shows promise, it is clear that the beta is still in the process of refining its performance to match or exceed the reliability of its predecessor. Speed and Responsiveness When it comes to responsiveness, iOS 26 Beta 1 demonstrates notable potential. Navigation between apps feels quicker, and animations appear more refined compared to iOS 18. These improvements are particularly noticeable in tasks involving system-level transitions, such as accessing the Control Center or switching between open applications. However, as is typical with beta software, occasional delays and stutters are present, especially during resource-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. On the other hand, iOS 18 offers a predictable and stable experience. Its responsiveness remains consistent across a wide range of use cases, free from the minor hiccups that can accompany early-stage software. While iOS 26 Beta 1 hints at future advancements in speed and fluidity, iOS 18 continues to be the more dependable option for users who prioritize a seamless experience. System Stability: Reliability vs. Experimentation Stability is a critical factor when evaluating any operating system, and this is where iOS 26 Beta 1 and iOS 18 diverge significantly. As a beta release, iOS 26 Beta 1 introduces exciting new features and optimizations, but these come with the expected trade-offs. Users may encounter occasional crashes, glitches, or unexpected behavior, particularly when using third-party apps that have not yet been optimized for the new software. In contrast, iOS 18 benefits from years of refinement and updates, making it a highly reliable choice for everyday use. Its stability ensures that users can depend on it for critical tasks without worrying about interruptions. For those who value experimentation and are willing to tolerate occasional instability, iOS 26 Beta 1 offers a glimpse into the future of Apple's operating systems. However, for users who prioritize reliability, iOS 18 remains the safer and more practical choice. Key Advancements in iOS 26 Beta 1 iOS Beta 1 introduces several noteworthy advancements that highlight Apple's focus on innovation. Among these are improvements in background processing and power efficiency, which could lead to longer battery life in the final release. The beta also enhances machine learning capabilities, allowing smarter app behavior and more personalized user experiences. For example, apps may now adapt more intelligently to user preferences, offering tailored suggestions and faster responses. Additionally, iOS 26 Beta 1 includes updates to graphics rendering and AI-driven computations, which could benefit tasks like photo editing, gaming, and augmented reality applications. While these features are promising, it is important to note that they are still in development and may not yet deliver their full potential. Users should approach these advancements with cautious optimism, as further refinements are likely before the final release. Benchmarking: Synthetic vs. Real-World Performance Benchmark tests offer a clearer understanding of the performance differences between iOS 26 Beta 1 and iOS 18. In synthetic benchmarks, iOS 26 Beta 1 demonstrates a slight edge in CPU and GPU performance, particularly in tasks involving graphics rendering and AI-driven processes. These improvements suggest that the beta is optimized for modern hardware, potentially offering better performance on newer devices. However, real-world performance paints a more nuanced picture. In everyday scenarios, such as browsing the web, streaming media, or managing productivity apps, iOS 18 occasionally outperforms the beta. This is particularly evident in situations where stability and consistency are critical. The experimental nature of beta software means that iOS 26 Beta 1 may not yet be fully optimized for all use cases, highlighting the importance of continued development and testing. Balancing Innovation and Reliability The comparison between iOS 26 Beta 1 and iOS 18 underscores the balance between innovation and reliability. iOS 26 Beta 1 offers a preview of Apple's future operating systems, with improvements in speed, responsiveness, and software optimization. These advancements are complemented by new features that enhance user experience and showcase Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. However, these innovations come with trade-offs. As a beta release, iOS 26 Beta 1 lacks the stability and polish of iOS 18, making it less suitable for users who rely on their devices for critical tasks. For those who enjoy exploring innovative features and are willing to navigate occasional glitches, iOS 26 Beta 1 provides an exciting opportunity to experience the latest advancements. On the other hand, users who prioritize a stable and dependable experience will find iOS 18 to be a more practical and reliable choice. Ultimately, the decision between iOS 26 Beta 1 and iOS 18 depends on your individual needs and priorities. Whether you value the excitement of innovation or the comfort of reliability, both operating systems offer unique benefits that cater to different user preferences. Enhance your knowledge of iOS 26 by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: Nick Ackerman Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
