- iOS 26 adds a CarPlay toggle that lets the system stay on when the iPhone is locked.
The option appears under Settings → General → CarPlay in the September 2025 iOS 26 update. Turning it on prevents the CarPlay screen from blanking as soon as the phone locks, which previously forced a disconnect unless the driver re‑unlocked the device.
This matters because it reduces distraction for drivers who rely on CarPlay for navigation and media while the phone stays locked for security. Developers can now assume a persistent CarPlay session, simplifying UI handling for audio and map apps.
The tweak feels like a basic usability fix that Apple waited far too long to ship, echoing similar complaints from early adopters (9to5Mac).