This fall, Apple is set to revolutionize the in-car experience with iOS 26, introducing a comprehensive overhaul of CarPlay and significant upgrades to Apple Maps. The latest developer beta (beta 3) reveals refined details about these highly anticipated changes, signaling Apple's commitment to delivering a polished experience for its September release.

A Modern Design Language: Liquid Glass

One of the most striking updates in iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, a fresh design aesthetic that blends transparency, acrylic effects, and subtle blue accents—reminiscent of the Windows Aero era but reimagined for modern Apple devices. This sleek, fluid design extends beyond the iPhone's interface to Apple Maps and CarPlay, offering a more immersive and visually cohesive experience.

In Apple Maps, the navigation interface has been refined with a semi-transparent Liquid Glass panel, replacing the previous dark gray background. The result is a cleaner, less intrusive layout that keeps the focus on the road while maintaining clear turn-by-turn guidance. Drivers will appreciate the improved visibility of highlighted routes, making navigation more intuitive.

Enhanced Customization for CarPlay

For the first time, users can personalize their CarPlay interface directly from the vehicle's infotainment screen, eliminating the need to adjust settings on their iPhones. Options include:

• Dark or transparent app icons

• Customizable app drawer styles

• Dynamic UI adjustments based on driving conditions

These features, initially spotted in earlier betas, are now rolling out to more testers in beta 3—a strong indicator of their stability and readiness for the public release.

Apple Maps: Smarter and Safer

Beyond aesthetics, Apple Maps is gaining practical upgrades, including:

• Railroad crossing alerts (a feature long available in Waze)

• Expanded incident reporting tools, allowing users to flag hazards, speed traps, and other road conditions more effectively

These additions underscore Apple's push to make Maps a more competitive navigation tool, particularly for drivers.

Release Timeline and Compatibility

The iOS 26 developer beta is currently available, with a public beta expected later this month. The final version is slated for release in September, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Supported devices include the iPhone 11 and newer, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).

Why It Matters

• Safety: The streamlined Maps interface reduces distractions, while new alerts enhance situational awareness.

• Customization: CarPlay's expanded settings give users more control over their in-car experience.

• Modernization: Liquid Glass brings a fresh, premium look to Apple's ecosystem.

With these updates, iOS 26 promises to elevate both CarPlay and Apple Maps, further bridging the gap between Apple's software and the automotive world. Stay tuned for more details as the public beta rolls out.