I have always thought being able to watch videos on my Prius 12.3 inch screen would be fantastic. I’ve been looking for a simple work around to do just that since I bought my car but I haven’t found anything worth trying. Well it seems Apple has answered my prayers. From what I have been reading video streaming is coming to CarPlay very soon. There is several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the up coming iOS 26.4 beta's source code. Full functionality might not be available in the next update (26.4) coming out next month but hopefully in update 26.5. One big caveat to this news is that the auto maker will need to implement support for the CarPlay video functionality due to the safety requirement that the vehicle be parked. This obviously could throw a monkey wrench into the time line of the rollout. Come on Toyota get on the stick. Anyhow this is still great news…I can’t wait….fingers crossed.
Yes, it ultimately depends on Toyota actually delivering an Over-The-Air (OTA) multimedia system update for this to reach existing vehicles. Apple introduced the framework for AirPlay streaming video to CarPlay displays to developers and automakers back in June 2025, so there’s been plenty of time to prepare. Yet Toyota hasn’t even enabled split-screen widgets in CarPlay or taken full advantage of wider displays, like the 12.3" model and that was something they could have done last fall. So, will they ever bother adding new CarPlay features to existing vehicles? Let’s hope—but it’s wise to cross your fingers rather than hold your breath.
LRO said…. “Yet Toyota hasn’t even enabled split-screen widgets in CarPlay” I have split screen widget capability in my 2026 XLE …..”or taken full advantage of wider displays, like the 12.3" model” What does this mean?
CarPlay is pretty crippled. Only talking to you for messages, etc. The Android product might be a little more flexible-you can get obdc gauges to display whereas CarPlay is still only a table, which is fine by me, but still. I can see the use for phone mirroring, but also the need to keep one's eyes on the road.
I could see Toyota pulling a lame stunt like enabling video streaming through CarPlay only for new vehicles and not letting us update using a software update. I sure hope that doesn’t happen.
