TL;DR
iOS 26.2 brings two targeted improvements to CarPlay: some vehicles can display more widget stacks on screen, and there’s a new CarPlay setting to disable pinned conversations in Messages. Apple hasn’t published requirements for the widget change, and not all users report seeing the increase.
What happened
Apple’s iOS 26.2 update includes two modest but practical tweaks to CarPlay. First, some drivers report that CarPlay now shows more widget stacks at once; one example noted an increase from two stacks to three compared with iOS 26.1, and other readers have reported similar gains while many users saw no change. Apple has not provided documentation outlining which vehicles or setups qualify for the expanded widget count. Second, iOS 26.2 adds a new toggle inside the CarPlay Settings for Messages called “Pinned Conversations.” Switching it off restores the previous Messages layout that lists the most recent threads first rather than showing pinned threads. That option is intended to help users — particularly those with smaller in-car displays — who prefer the recency-based view.
Why it matters
- More widget stacks can surface additional glanceable information on compatible vehicle displays.
- A toggle to disable pinned conversations lets users revert Messages to a recency-first layout, which may be better for small screens.
- Neither change is universal — the widget expansion appears to be limited to certain vehicles and Apple hasn’t documented requirements.
- These options increase CarPlay’s configurability without altering core functionality for users who prefer the prior behavior.
Key facts
- iOS 26.2 is the latest iPhone update and includes features for Reminders, Podcasts, and Apple Music in addition to CarPlay tweaks.
- Widgets were introduced to CarPlay with iOS 26.
- Some users report an increase in the number of visible widget stacks in CarPlay after updating to iOS 26.2.
- Journalist Tom Warren reported his vehicle shows three widget stacks in iOS 26.2, up from two in iOS 26.1.
- Other readers have reported similar widget increases, while some users saw no change.
- Apple has not published specific requirements that determine which vehicles or configurations gain additional widget stacks.
- iOS 26.2 adds a CarPlay setting labeled 'Pinned Conversations' that can be toggled off.
- Turning off the Pinned Conversations toggle causes the Messages app in CarPlay to revert to showing the most recent conversations first.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will publish criteria or a support document explaining which vehicles or setups gain extra widget stacks — not confirmed in the source
- How widely the widget-stack increase rolls out across different car models and CarPlay head units — not confirmed in the source
- If Apple will refine or expand the Messages pinned-threads option in future updates — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- CarPlay: Apple’s in-car platform that mirrors certain iPhone apps and interfaces on compatible vehicle displays.
- Widget stacks: Groups of small, glanceable app widgets presented together on a screen so users can see multiple pieces of information at once.
- Pinned conversations: A Messages feature that keeps selected message threads at the top of the conversation list regardless of recent activity.
- Tapbacks: Quick message reactions (like a thumbs-up or heart) that can be applied to messages as a short response.
Reader FAQ
How do I disable pinned conversations in CarPlay?
Open the Settings app in CarPlay, find 'Pinned Conversations,' and toggle the switch off.
Will every car get more widget stacks with iOS 26.2?
No — some users reported more stacks while others saw no change, and Apple hasn’t documented which vehicles are affected.
What happens when I turn off pinned conversations?
The Messages app in CarPlay will return to showing the most recent conversations first instead of pinned threads.
Are the exact widget-stack limits or requirements published?
Not confirmed in the source.
9to5Mac Product of the Year: iPhone 17 Chance Miller Dec 31 2025 CARPLAY IOS 26 IOS 26.2 iOS 26.2 has two CarPlay improvements, here’s what’s new Ryan Christoffel | Dec 31…
Sources
- iOS 26.2 has two CarPlay improvements, here’s what’s new
- iOS 26.2 Adds New CarPlay Setting
- iOS 26.2 Is Now Live Here Are All the New Features on …
- Customize widgets in CarPlay
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