Pioneer Unveils First Aftermarket CarPlay with Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio
At CES 2026, Pioneer announced the launch of the first aftermarket CarPlay unit featuring spatial audio, enhancing in-car entertainment options.
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Carplay
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Pioneer Unveils First Premium CarPlay with Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio at CES 2026
Pioneer announced the Sphera, an innovative aftermarket in-dash receiver supporting premium CarPlay with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio, designed to upgrade existing vehicles with immersive sound and wireless connectivity, available from Spring 2026 at a starting price of $1,300.
Top Hidden CarPlay Apps Drivers Should Try
The article highlights five underrated CarPlay apps—Waze, Simple Radio, GasBuddy, SpotHero, and Weather on the Way—that enhance driving experiences by offering better navigation, entertainment, parking, fuel price comparison, and weather updates, based on extensive personal testing and user ratings.
Fast Charging Car Charger with Wired Android Auto & CarPlay
The PDFriender 2Pad is a prototype 65W car charger that enables full-speed charging while using wired Android Auto and CarPlay, offering a more stable and faster connection compared to wireless adapters, with production expected in 2026 at around €50 ($60).
Rivian CEO Dismisses CarPlay, Cites Software Risks and Rival UI Criticism
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has expressed a desire for CarPlay support in Rivian vehicles, despite the company's current stance of not adopting it, citing concerns over UI and control. He appreciates CarPlay's UI in other vehicles and acknowledges Tesla's rumored support, but emphasizes Rivian's focus on providing a superior integrated experience without it. The debate highlights the tension between user preferences and company control over vehicle interfaces.
GM to Launch Eyes-Off Driving and Advanced AI Tech by 2028
GM is focusing on AI, autonomous driving, and new vehicle platforms, including a Gemini-powered AI assistant in 2026 and a new hardware/software platform for the Escalade IQ in 2028, while ditching Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in EVs to improve user experience. The company is navigating market challenges like falling EV demand, tariffs, and policy changes, emphasizing affordability and a broad vehicle portfolio from entry-level to luxury. GM's long-term investments in battery tech, autonomous tech, and global scale aim to keep it competitive despite market shifts and regulatory hurdles.
iOS 26 Introduces CarPlay Setting to Protect AirPods Audio
Apple's iOS 26 introduces a new setting called 'Keep Audio with Headphones' that prevents audio from automatically switching from AirPods to a car's speakers when connecting to CarPlay, allowing users to enjoy their headphones without interruption while still maintaining full control and functionality.
Enhance Your Driving Experience with the Latest CarPlay and AirPods Features in iOS 26
In iOS 26, Apple has enhanced the integration between AirPods and CarPlay, enabling automatic switching support so AirPods can seamlessly connect to the active device, including CarPlay, improving user experience when transitioning between devices and in-car media control.
Rivian CEO Discusses CarPlay, Lidar, and Budget-Friendly EVs
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe discusses the company's focus on broadening its vehicle lineup beyond trucks, the upcoming R2 model at a starting price of $45,000, and their conviction in skipping CarPlay in favor of a seamless, integrated digital experience. He emphasizes Rivian's software and hardware innovations, their strategic sourcing and manufacturing in the US, and their advancements in autonomous driving technology, including AI-driven self-driving features expected by 2027. Despite industry challenges like tariffs and supply chain issues, Rivian remains confident in its growth and brand appeal.
iOS 26 Enhances CarPlay, but Risks Fines for Drivers
iOS 26 introduces a new Smart Display Zoom feature for CarPlay that allows users to resize the display to better fit various car screens, enhancing the user experience by making the interface feel larger and more adaptable, though it is not available on all vehicles and is disabled by default.
iOS 26 Update: New Features, Liquid Glass, and Battery Insights
iOS 26 introduces major updates to CarPlay, including a new Liquid Glass design, customizable wallpapers, widget support for displaying app widgets, video playback via AirPlay when parked, Live Activities integration, and improvements to Messages, Phone, and Maps, making the system more versatile and user-friendly.
iOS 26: Enhancements, Features, and Compatibility Updates
iOS 26 enhances Live Activities by enabling scheduling for third-party apps, integrating with Wallet for real-time flight updates, supporting CarPlay, and extending to Mac and iPad, offering new ways to track and share live information across Apple devices.
Amazon Offers Discounted Mini Wireless CarPlay Adapter with Limited Stock
Amazon is offering the Wireless CarPlay Adapter – Mini Edition for $40, down from $70, providing a simple, wireless way to enable CarPlay in your car, with easy setup, compatibility updates, and a compact design that keeps your dash tidy and enhances daily driving convenience.
Apple Launches iOS 26 and AirPods Beta with New Features
Apple's upcoming iOS 26 introduces significant updates for AirPods, including studio-quality audio recording, improved call clarity, a camera remote control feature, sleep pausing, and automatic CarPlay switching, with these features available for AirPods with the H2 chip via beta software and expected to roll out publicly in early September.
Hidden CarPlay Feature in iOS 26 Revealed on Apple’s Website
Apple is adding a major new feature to CarPlay with iOS 26, allowing users to wirelessly stream videos via AirPlay when the vehicle is parked, a feature that was quietly announced on Apple's developer website and not highlighted during WWDC 2025. This update enhances entertainment options in electric vehicles and other supported cars, with support from automakers expected to roll out gradually.