iOS 26 Adds New Zoom Setting to CarPlay

iOS 26 introduces a Smart Display Zoom setting for CarPlay, enhancing screen adaptation. This feature automatically resizes the CarPlay interface to better fit various dashboard screen dimensions. Enabling Smart Display Zoom reduces UI element size, allowing more content to be displayed. Apple showcased this setting in a WWDC 2025 developer video, highlighting its adaptability. The setting can be found within CarPlay's settings in iOS 26. Access to Smart Display Zoom requires an iPhone running iOS 26, currently in developer beta. A public beta of iOS 26 will arrive next month with a full release expected in September for iPhone 11 and later. iOS 26 brings several other enhancements to CarPlay, including a Liquid Glass design and Live Activities. Additional features involve AirPlay video playback when parked and improvements to messaging and mapping. These updates aim to improve the CarPlay user experience across different vehicles.