Forget Siri AI and EQ for AirPods, Apple's key WWDC announcement is CarPlay video streaming and I worry it'll make for more dangerous roads

Date:
Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:03:58 +0000

Description:
Apple's CarPlay changes means you'll soon be able to watch videos in your vehicle. But please, please, please tread with caution

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Apple's WWDC on June 8
contained several big announcements including CarPlay updates for video streaming while the car is 'parked' You can now browse favorite videos from iPhone, on your CarPlay display It raises concerns, when a key reason for collision is failure to look properly (at the road around you) Apple 's just wrapped a busy WWDC event. At the conference on June 8, the Cupertino giant announced an AI-overhauled Siri , a long-awaited AirPods equalizer , AI-powered Apple Photos editing, and more see our roundup of 17 things we learned at WWDC '26 for more.

But another piece of news was delivered to developers, so it kind of went under the radar. Apple has announced an update to CarPlay coming with iOS 27, which will likely be coming to iPhone users from September (though you can download the developer beta now ). As well as upgrades to navigation and "voice-based conversation apps", the update will introduce video apps. That's right: soon, you'll theoretically be able to watch Netflix TV shows on supported car screens (which is, of course, how the creators intended you to see them), or swipe through YouTube (or even TikTok) while you're waiting at the airport or potentially even at a traffic light. What a joy. What a world we live in. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

In an Apple Developer video explaining the changes , the brand's Car Experience Engineer, Chris Whitney, stated that people will only be able to use the feature "when they aren't driving" but later gave use cases wherein a vehicle could potentially be idling, rather than parked.

We've reached out to Apple for clarity on this, but the ability to beam
videos to your car's display when your vehicle is turned on (albeit in park and unable to roll, for instance), makes me very cautious. Consider that "ineffective observation" of the roads around us while driving is regularly listed by solicitors as one of the top reasons for road collision incidents
in the UK , where I reside, and I hope you can see my concern. You may like YouTube launches on Android Auto with limited features ChatGPT comes to Apple CarPlay but only if you are willing to talk to a robot Theres one thing I
want from Apple at WWDC 2026 and it isn't Siri 2.0 Roads could get more dangerous Apple forbidding the playing of videos when a vehicle is actually moving is obviously intended to stop people focusing on the big game while they're barreling down a highway. But it's not enough.

As far as I can tell initially, there'd be nothing to stop you popping on
some YouTube Shorts while you're waiting for the lights to turn red (other than the fact that few people watch YouTube Shorts) or queuing at a drive-thru. What I'm saying is, it may still be easy to watch videos with CarPlay when you, as a driver, are a threat to other people. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Distracted driving is a massive threat to road users; according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , in 2024, over 3,200 people were killed and 315,000 injured from distracted driving. The agency
repeatedly cites mobile phone use as major source of said distractions. I accept that tapping on your CarPlay screen is a step up from fiddling with your phone, but it's not a big step up not in terms of how safely you're driving.

Crucially, road danger exists whether or not you're in motion on said road. Anyone who's had a professional driving lesson knows that you're taught to be aware of your surroundings when you're behind the wheel. I remember being drilled on all the angles to check before pulling out onto the road; you need to give it time and attention. And you need to keep both hands on the wheel.

In conclusion, you need to give the road your time and attention, not the screen in your car. You may be obsessed with the documentary about a Lego
shop stealing $200,000 in Star Wars sets, but if you're streaming it in your vehicle when you should be watching the road, you're a risk. What to read
next I tried a roadtrip with ChatGPT on CarPlay Apple may add AI chatbots that run inside Siri here's why that's concerning Apple WWDC 2026 as it happened: Siri AI, iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and more announcements

And, if Apple does let you stream videos when you're on the road (waiting in traffic, idling at the airport, etc), you could miss an important change in light or situation, become flustered, and then be a huge risk to others as
you rush to get going without checking your mirrors for bikes.

As you can tell from those stats I cited earlier, distracted driving isn't new, and I'm not claiming that Apple has introduced it. But it is encouraging it, with features like CarPlay video playback, which feels irresponsible. CarPlay should reduce distractions and safety concerns, not introduce them.

So, as someone who's frequently on, or near, the concrete, please don't use it! Roads are dangerous enough as it is, and if people are streaming videos
in their car display instead of checking their angles, it'll only get worse. The best wireless earbuds for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best earbuds 1. Best overall: Technics EAH-AZ100 2. Best mid-range: Cambridge Audio A100 3. Best budget: Nothing Ear (a) 4. Best for noise-cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Ultra 2nd Gen Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

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