CarPlay has gained new features with iOS 26.4 and some exciting new applications have been added. However, one of my favorite features recently is the update in Apple Music, which is a perfect change for cars in iOS 26. Here’s how to use it.

Pins in Apple Music provide a perfect fit for CarPlay, especially with the one-touch play setting

When iOS 26 was released last year, it fulfilled a long-awaited feature for Apple Music.

The update added the option to pin music to the top of your Library. You can pin up to six artists, albums, playlists, or songs for easy access.

I have wanted pinned music for years, and iOS 26 definitely provided that. My only complaint is that I wish there were more pins—nine would be great, like in the Messages app.

However, one thing I didn’t realize immediately was how much I would enjoy the pins in CarPlay.

I had been living in Manhattan recently and didn’t have a car, but after moving to the suburbs, getting a vehicle became a necessity on day one. So, I have been enjoying CarPlay in my new vehicle for the past few months, and pinned music has become one of the standout changes in iOS 26.

CarPlay automatically takes all the pinned music from your iPhone and places it at the top of the Music app.

I usually use Siri for music requests while driving. However, pinned titles are another quick, practical, and—most importantly—safe option.

Searching through many Music screens to find the right album or playlist often takes a lot of time. However, pins are prominently displayed at the top of the Library screen. And if you configure them for one-touch play on your iPhone, the same behavior carries over to CarPlay.

To set up music pins, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Music app on your iPhone
  2. Long press on any artist, album, playlist, or song
  3. Tap the ‘Pin’ button in the pop-up menu
  4. In the Library tab, find the new pin at the top of the screen and long press
  5. Change the ‘Touch Action’ to ‘Play’ for one-touch play in your vehicle

After setting up the pin, you won’t need to rely so much on Siri for music playback. Pins offer a great alternative to access the music you play most often, keeping you away from the frustrating errors that Siri can bring.

Are you using pins in Apple Music on iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.

Best CarPlay Accessories

  • AirTag 2 for tracking your car (Single pack / Four pack)
  • MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
  • 10-foot iPhone cable from USB-C to USB-A
  • FLYLEAD car charger with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports