<b>Apple will soon allow video playback in cars via CarPlay, potentially opening the door for most streaming services including Apple TV+ and Disney+ – but not Netflix.</b>
Video playback will only work when the car is parked, and initially it will require your iPhone.
This restriction is meant to prevent the driver from watching video while driving. According to MacRumors, the iPhone will detect when the car is in motion and stop video playback.
<h3>CarPlay with AirPlay Video</h3>In its developer documentation, Apple says that car manufacturers must integrate 'CarPlay with AirPlay video'. It remains unclear whether this feature can be enabled via a software update or if new hardware is required.
The company confirms that it will be supported with both CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra.
- <i>"AirPlay video in the car enables people to watch their favorite videos from iPhone right on their CarPlay display when they aren't driving. Integrate support for CarPlay with AirPlay video to enable this feature in your car,"</i> Apple announced.
Since CarPlay Ultra will have deeper integration with the car's internal systems, it is possible the feature could eventually work without an iPhone. However, Apple has not yet provided details.
<p align="center" style="margin:0"><a id="thumb" href="pictures/carplayultra_1_large.jpg" class="highslide" rel="highslide"><img class="imgresponsive" src="pictures/carplayultra_1_small.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="CarPlay Ultra" title="CarPlay Ultra" aria-label="Click to enlarge"></a><div class="picturecaptiontext"><i class="fa fa-camera fa-fw" aria-hidden="true"></i> CarPlay Ultra will take over more of the car's interface, including control functions. Photo: Apple</div></p>
<h3>Streaming services too?</h3>Apple's wording is vague and cautious, referring only to "video" as a general term. The company has not explicitly confirmed support for streaming services, but since the feature is based on AirPlay, it should theoretically work. However, it may ultimately depend on whether streaming services choose to support it.
Even if streaming services are included, it will not work with Netflix, as Netflix has removed AirPlay support from its app. All other major streaming services support AirPlay.
Tesla <a href= ttps://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1569571907><b>has long offered</b></a> a 'Theater' mode with access to streaming services like Netflix and YouTube while the car is stationary, or while driving only on the rear seat screen. Tesla has hinted that video streaming could eventually be allowed while driving once self-driving cars become a reality.
- <i>Source: <a href=https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/12/carplay-airplay-video-in-the-car/ target=_blank>MacRumors</a></i>
