Apple CarPlay Introduces Video Playback Feature in iOS 26.4 Beta
Apple CarPlay is reportedly on the verge of gaining a much-requested feature: the ability to watch videos directly on the car’s infotainment screen. This development comes as part of the iOS 26.4 beta, where a dedicated Apple TV app has been introduced for CarPlay. According to findings shared by ONE Jailbreak, developers can already test this new functionality via the CarPlay simulator, which supports video playback when the vehicle is stationary.
How the New Video Feature Works
The new feature, referred to as “AirPlay video in the car,” allows iPhone users to cast videos from their devices onto the car’s head unit. Safety remains a priority, so video playback is restricted to times when the car is parked, preventing distractions while driving. Currently, the Apple TV app is the only supported platform within CarPlay for video content, enabling users to browse and stream their favourite shows, movies, and sports content directly from their iPhone libraries. The app also syncs viewing progress across devices, maintaining continuity for users.
Context: Apple vs Google in In-Car Video Playback
This move by Apple appears to put it ahead of Google in the race to enable video playback on car infotainment systems. Google announced a similar feature for Android Auto at its I/O event last year, promising to allow video streaming with safety restrictions. However, the feature remains incomplete, with no public visual previews or clear release timelines available. Android Auto users currently face a cumbersome process to watch videos, making Apple’s progress on this front particularly notable.
Large dashboard screens in modern vehicles naturally invite multimedia use, and many users have expressed strong interest in watching videos while parked. A recent poll showed that nearly half of respondents want official video playback support on Android Auto when parked, with a significant portion also interested in passenger viewing during driving.
What to Expect Next
While Apple has begun developer testing of video playback on CarPlay, the feature is not yet widely available to consumers. It remains to be seen if additional apps beyond Apple TV will be supported when the feature officially launches. Meanwhile, Android Auto users will have to wait longer for similar functionality, as Google’s implementation is still under development. The coming months should reveal more about how both platforms will handle in-car video entertainment, balancing convenience with safety.
For now, Apple seems to have taken the lead in bringing video playback to car screens, which could enhance the in-car media experience for iPhone users once the feature rolls out broadly.