How to add and customize your CarPlay widgets

Since Apple added widgets to CarPlay in iOS 26, compatible cars are one step closer to being a true extension of your iPhone. Instead of just navigation, messaging, and audio, CarPlay widgets allow you to view information from many other apps on your phone. Whether you want to check live game scores, manage your smart home, or track forecasts at your destination, a widget lets you do it easily on the go.

Before you get started, know that there is a difference between a CarPlay app and a widget. An app like Maps or Spotify is fully optimized for CarPlay and takes up most, if not all, of your screen for easier interaction. On the other hand, widgets appear in customizable stacks and provide specific details about the application they represent.

Fortunately, customizing your CarPlay experience, including widgets, is simple. And better yet, iOS 27 has expanded the pool of available widgets beyond what was possible before.

While parked or not driving, open the Settings on your iPhone, then go to General > CarPlay and tap your car. Then select Widgets. Make sure Show widgets is enabled, then select Add a widget to browse your options.

You’ll see the recommended choices at the top, followed by a list of compatible apps on your phone. A given app may offer multiple widgets, so be sure to explore them all. The number of widgets displayed simultaneously changes depending on the size of your car’s infotainment center.

Deleting or rearranging widgets is simple. From the same page, use the handles on the right side to drag elements and adjust your layout, or press the red button. less button to delete anything you no longer want. Some widgets will display a blue I icon to personalize them, for example by choosing one of your saved locations in the Weather app.

At the bottom of the Settings page, you can also enable some automation options. To light up Smart rotation will move to the most relevant widget in a stack based on factors like time or your location, while Widget suggestions will show potentially useful ones even if you haven’t added them manually.

To access your widgets on the go, swipe from left to right and you’ll find them on the left-most page. Swipe up or down on a stack to move through them as needed.

Widgets can fill gaps that CarPlay apps can’t, so there are plenty of ways to use them. If you ever get homesick during long trips, add the Photos widget and select any album to view. Meanwhile, if you’re taking full advantage of Apple HomeKit and are worried you’ve left a lamp on, you can turn it off using a Home widget.

Additional proprietary options include Reminders, Weather, Clock, and Podcasts. An analog clock looks fancy when you don’t need navigation, while Weather can tell you when the sun will set or rise. Apple Sports is also an option for following your favorite teams while you drive.

Many third-party widgets offer unique additions to your dashboard, especially after the iOS 27 expansion. You can see what your friends are doing using Instagram Stories or add the Amazon widget to check your order status and make sure you’re home on time. If you need an AI voice assistant in the car, you can use widgets for chatbots like Claude and Gemini.

Some widgets are certainly more useful than others; you probably don’t need to check your Duolingo streak or see LinkedIn updates while driving. For best results, stick to widgets that provide easily searchable, non-distracting information.