According to MacRumors, Apple released the second beta of iOS 26.2 this week with a specific new CarPlay setting for the Messages app. The update introduces a toggle that lets users disable pinned conversations, which were automatically enabled in iOS 26. Drivers can find this setting directly in the CarPlay Settings menu under “Pinned Conversations.” iOS 26.2 is scheduled for public release to all users in December. This change addresses feedback from users who preferred the classic view showing only individual conversation threads rather than pinned favorites at the top.
The CarPlay evolution continues
Here’s the thing about CarPlay – it’s been on a serious upgrade path lately. iOS 26 brought that whole Liquid Glass redesign, Live Activities, widgets, and a more compact phone call interface. Basically, Apple’s trying to make your car’s screen feel more like your iPhone. But sometimes these changes don’t land perfectly for everyone.
And that’s exactly what happened with pinned conversations. When iOS 26 automatically pinned your frequent chats to the top of CarPlay Messages, some drivers found it more distracting than helpful. I mean, think about it – you’re driving, you want to quickly scroll through your messages, and suddenly the interface has changed on you. Not ideal when your attention should be on the road.
User choice wins again
What’s interesting here is how Apple is handling this. They’re not removing the feature entirely or forcing everyone to adapt. Instead, they’re giving users the choice. That’s actually pretty smart product management. It shows they’re listening to feedback without abandoning their vision for where CarPlay should go.
So what does this tell us about Apple’s approach to automotive interfaces? They’re clearly investing heavily in CarPlay as a platform. But they’re also learning that drivers have very specific preferences about what works while operating a vehicle. Safety and familiarity matter way more in a car than on your phone.
Looking ahead, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of these customization options popping up in CarPlay. If Apple is willing to add a toggle for something as specific as pinned messages, they’re probably open to other interface preferences too. The December public release will give us a better sense of how many people actually use this setting.
