This year is shaping up to be significant for CarPlay, which has seen only modest updates in recent years. A highlight among the new features arriving with iOS 26 is the long-awaited tapbacks support in the Messages app—a change many users have been eagerly anticipating.
Since Apple introduced what it calls the ‘next generation of CarPlay’ in 2022, enhancements to the standard CarPlay experience have been unimpressive. However, the imminent release of CarPlay Ultra and the wealth of new features in iOS 26 signal a shift towards a more robust offering.
One of the most notable updates is the inclusion of tapbacks, a fundamental feature of the Messages app that has been present since iOS 10. Until now, users were unable to send tapbacks via CarPlay, which has been particularly frustrating for people like me who often conclude their Messages conversations with a quick thumbs up, heart, or laughing emoji.
These responses serve not only as acknowledgments but also as a way to indicate a desire to keep the discussion brief. With the introduction of iOS 26, tapbacks will finally be supported in the Messages app on CarPlay, allowing users to enjoy the same simple tapback functionality in their vehicles.
Additionally, pinned conversations will also be available, further enhancing the usability of Messages on CarPlay. These updates join a variety of other enhancements coming to the Messages app on iPhone with iOS 26.
This renewed focus on CarPlay leaves users hopeful that Apple will continue to prioritize essential app features like tapbacks in future updates, ensuring they aren’t overlooked in the automotive experience. Excited about the new tapback support in CarPlay? Share your thoughts in the comments section.