Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 2
iOS 26 Adds Smart Display Zoom for CarPlay, Optimizing In-Car Screens
Updated
Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 2

iOS 26 Adds Smart Display Zoom for CarPlay, Optimizing In-Car Screens

3 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jul 2

Summary

  • Smart Display Zoom in iOS 26 automatically adjusts CarPlay to a vehicle’s screen, adding a Display-menu setting that tailors the interface to different shapes and sizes.
  • Testing in one vehicle showed the feature had already been enabled by default, and turning it off made the standard layout look less efficient.
  • Some apps, including Apple Podcasts, display more content with Smart Display Zoom on, though the visual change is not dramatic across every interface.
  • The addition expands iOS 26’s broader CarPlay feature set and addresses a long-standing need created by the wide variety of infotainment displays.

Insights

With automakers claiming CarPlay is obsolete, can Apple’s upcoming iOS 27 update prove them wrong?
Is the battle for your car's dashboard about a better user experience or simply controlling your data?