iOS 26.2 Adds New CarPlay Features: More Expansive Widget Stack & A Toggle For Disabling Pinned Messages

By Shikhar Mehrotra • Updated On Jan 1, 2026

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TL; DR

iOS 26.2 improves CarPlay with a wider widget layout and a new option to disable pinned messages.
The update focuses on usability, helping drivers access more relevant information with fewer distractions.

Apple’s latest iOS 26.2 update, released to compatible users in December 2025, introduces a range of refinements and additions across the operating system. Among the most noteworthy changes in the release are two welcome improvements for CarPlay, Apple’s in-car iPhone projection system.

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More Widgets, Less Clutter on the CarPlay Dashboard

With iOS 26.2, Apple CarPlay can now showcase more widget stacks on the home screen. Even though widgets debuted on CarPlay with iOS 26 in September, the company now lets drivers view three widgets stacked side by side (up from two in iOS 26 and iOS 26.1).

Although Apple hasn’t officially announced the feature, and availability appears to vary by vehicle model, early reports indicate a more expansive widget layout that lets drivers view more information at a glance without taking their hands off the steering wheel.

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A New Toggle to Disable Pinned Messages

Another improvement comes to CarPlay’s messages app. While the app has featured pinned messages since iOS 26, the latest version adds a setting that lets users disable pinned messages, allowing drivers to view the chat history (including the most recent messages).

This could be a helpful feature, as not all senders can be pinned, and users may miss important messages (such as a financial transaction notification or a weekend message from their boss) if they’re not in the pinned messages.

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Moreover, the addition gives drivers more control over how information appears on their CarPlay display. In addition to these updates, iOS 26.2 includes enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, Reminders, and system security.

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Shikhar Mehrotra

Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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