Apple Opens CarPlay to Third-Party AI Chatbots Including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude

Apple Plans to Allow Outside Voice-Controlled AI Chatbots in CarPlay

Apple won't let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service, instead users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control. Apple Inc. is preparing to allow voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps from other companies in CarPlay, according to people familiar with the matter, a move that will let users query AI chatbots through its vehicle interface for the first time. The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. The change marks a strategic shift for Apple, which until now has only allowed its own Siri assistant as a voice-control option within its popular vehicle infotainment software. With the move, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC and Alphabet Inc.'s Google will be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode. That means a driver could, say, ask ChatGPT for restaurant recommendations without taking their hands off the wheel. Apple customers have been clamoring for such an option for months, but there's no guarantee that outside developers will follow through and take advantage of the capability. A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment. There will still be limits. Apple won't let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service. Instead, users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control, the people said. Developers will be able to design their apps so voice mode launches automatically when the app is opened, which should help make it more convenient to use. Siri is commonly used in CarPlay to manage music playback, send messages and handle navigation. But many people have turned to services such as ChatGPT, Gemini and other AI voice apps for broader questions and requests that go beyond Siri's capabilities. Users can already access AI apps on the iPhone and carry on conversations through a car's speakerphone, but the experience is finicky and operates outside of CarPlay itself. Some people have also relied on less-than-ideal workarounds, such as syncing an AI app's shortcut widget from the iPhone to CarPlay. At the same time, Apple is working to beef up its technology. The company plans to update Siri this year with a feature it internally calls World Knowledge Answers. That will add some ChatGPT-like web search abilities and a tool that can summarize online information. Apple last delivered a major update to CarPlay when it rolled out the iOS 26 operating system. That software -- released in September -- added features such as widgets and the new Liquid Glass interface. The company also has launched a higher-end version of the platform, CarPlay Ultra, that lets drivers control functions like seat adjustments and climate settings directly through Apple's software. But that system is rolling out slowly and must be customized for each automaker. That means it's likely to be a niche offering. CarPlay Ultra is available in Aston Martins and is slated to appear in at least one model from Kia or Hyundai later this year. The standard CarPlay, meanwhile, is widely popular and has become a must-have option for many car buyers. Tesla Inc., a major CarPlay holdout, is now working to support the feature as well, Bloomberg News has reported.

Apple will reportedly allow third-party AI assistants in CarPlay

Apple plans to allow third-party voice-controlled AI apps in CarPlay, Bloomberg reports. Siri is the default voice assistant for things like controlling music and looking up directions, but future AI apps in CarPlay could handle the complicated, open-ended requests Siri can't answer. The expanded support would let developers like OpenAI or Google offer versions of their ChatGPT and Gemini apps for CarPlay. Similar functionality is possible just by connecting a smartphone to a car over Bluetooth and using an AI app's voice mode, but CarPlay support would presumably make the process a little more seamless. Not so seamless that it replaces Siri, however. Bloomberg writes that these third-party apps won't be able to replace the Siri button in the CarPlay interface or use their own wake words ("Hey Google," etc.). Instead, anyone who wants to spend a long drive talking to Gemini will have to open the app first. That could cut down on the utility of using one of these apps, but Apple presumably wants to get Siri to a place where CarPlay users prefer it as their in-car assistant anyway. Apple and Google recently announced that Gemini would power future versions of Siri and Apple Foundation Models, the AI models underpinning Apple Intelligence. The delayed, updated version of Siri Apple introduced alongside Apple Intelligence in 2024 is supposed to be able to take actions on user's behalf, work across apps and understand the context of what's on screen, all things Gemini can currently do. Reports suggest Apple wants to eventually use Google's Gemini models to transform Siri into a proper conversational chatbot, too. That future version of the voice assistant could be right at home in CarPlay.

Apple reportedly bringing third-party AI chatbots to CarPlay - 9to5Mac

While AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini feature conversational voice mode, the apps don't exactly work well with Apple CarPlay. That will soon change, it appears, with an upcoming iOS software update. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to open up CarPlay to voice-enabled chatbot apps. This would enable use while driving without interacting with the iPhone. Per the report: The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. Apple only allows select categories of CarPlay apps, including entertainment, navigation, and communication. Allowing voice-enabled chatbot apps would be a major update for CarPlay, especially when automakers are already integrating AI-powered voice mode features without CarPlay. According to the report, Apple does not plan to allow users to replace Siri at the voice assistant level, however. Instead, this would just be a safer way to interact with a new category of iPhone apps through CarPlay. There will still be limits. Apple won't let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service. Instead, users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control, the people said. The move is separate from Apple's efforts to enhance Siri capabilities with Apple Intelligence, which will soon be upgraded using Google's Gemini behind-the-scenes. The report doesn't say if the CarPlay update will be part of an upcoming iOS 26 release or saved for iOS 27. Apple is expected to ship the first version of Siri that relies on Gemini in iOS 26.4. Apple will preview iOS 27 a few months later in June. Mark Gurman has also reported for Bloomberg that Apple plans to overhaul Siri during the iOS 27 cycle. According to Gurman, Apple plans to announce actual chatbot features for Siri later this year.

Apple to Allow ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in CarPlay

Apple is planning to bring new AI features to CarPlay, reports Bloomberg. Apple will allow third-party chatbot apps to integrate with CarPlay, so AI services like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT will be accessible in the car for the first time. CarPlay already supports third-party apps, but the types of apps that are supported are limited. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI aren't currently able to create CarPlay apps, so users are limited to using Siri voice controls in the vehicle. With the change, CarPlay users will be able to access apps like ChatGPT to ask questions hands-free, though the apps won't be able to control vehicle or iPhone functions. Third-party AI voice apps will not be accessible via a wake word and won't replace Siri, so users will need to open an app to get access to a chatbot. App developers will be able to design in-car experiences that will launch a voice-based chat mode when the app is opened, which will streamline the process. Apple is planning to support third-party AI apps "within the coming months," which could align with when the company's smarter version of Siri is set to launch. With iOS 26.4, Apple is debuting a more personalized version of Siri that uses large language models. Siri will be able to answer complex questions, complete multi-step tasks, maintain continuity, and do more in and between apps. The personal assistant is also set to gain a World Knowledge Answers feature, allowing it to search the web and summarize information from websites. Later in iOS 27, Siri will get full chatbot capabilities, allowing it to better compete with Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT.

Apple might soon allow Gemini and ChatGPT on CarPlay for voice control

Apple AI foundations are opening across its entire portfolio. Thanks in no part to the slow development of Siri, Apple had to piggyback atop ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence. A few weeks ago, the company announced that it would use the same foundations as Gemini to power the next-gen version of Siri. What's changing? The next avenue for "AI externalization" in Apple's ecosystem is CarPlay. According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning to allow AI models from other companies on its in-car digital connectivity system. So far, CarPlay has only allowed Siri as the sole digital assistant. "With the move, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC and Alphabet Inc.'s Google will be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode," reports Bloomberg. Given Apple's recent partnerships with Google and OpenAI, it's actually pretty surprising that these apps took so long to land within the CarPlay stack. Recommended Videos The arrival of ChatGPT and Gemini comes at a time when CarPlay Ultra is struggling to find partners. So far, it has been limited to Aston Martin vehicles, and it might expand to Hyundai or Kia cars later this year. Why does it matter? Google, on the other hand, has already showcased deep Gemini integration on cars running the Android Auto stack. Mercedes-Benz adopted a Gemini-based assistant and integrated it within the MBUX Virtual Assistant system a year ago. Google is even planning to bring Gemini shortcuts and widgets to cars. Apple is finally making a course correction, but it won't be a completely open playground for the likes of Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic. "Apple won't let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service," adds the Bloomberg report. That means Siri will remain the default assistant, while other AI assistants such as ChatGPT or Gemini can only be accessed by opening their dedicated apps built for the CarPlay platform. It would be interesting to see whether these assistants will also be able to interact with other system apps such as Map or Apple Music, the way you can already achieve agentic work on phones.

Apple could open up CarPlay voice control beyond Siri

Apple CarPlay users may soon be able to pick their voice assistant, with tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini Apple is planning to bring access to a number of third-party AI chatbots to its CarPlay in-car platform, according to a new report. Right now, Apple only enables drivers to interact with Siri, but that looks set to change. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman's sources claim that Apple is planning to enable drivers to consult rivals like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Apple already offers ChatGPT as an option within iOS, while it is working with Google to bring Gemini's skills to Siri starting this spring. So it would make sense for Apple to bring the chatbots to CarPlay too. It won't work as the normal prompt does in CarPlay, Gurman says. Users would have to tap the individual app within the CarPlay interface to access the chatbot. Gurman writes (via 9to5Mac): "The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan hasn't been announced. "There will still be limits. Apple won't let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service. Instead, users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control, the people said." It's not yet clear whether the planned integration of chatbots within CarPlay is set for the iOS 26 release cycle or whether Apple might save it for iOS 27. Either way, Gurman doesn't get much wrong so it's safe to say this will be happening.

Apple to allow third-party AI voice apps in CarPlay By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Apple Inc. is planning to open up its CarPlay vehicle interface to third-party voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps in the coming months, according to people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported. This strategic shift will allow drivers to use AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and Google's Gemini through voice commands while driving, marking the first time Apple has permitted voice assistants beyond its own Siri in CarPlay. The change would enable drivers to interact with these AI services hands-free, such as asking ChatGPT for restaurant recommendations while keeping their hands on the wheel. Until now, Apple has restricted voice control within its popular vehicle infotainment software exclusively to Siri. The company's decision comes as Apple customers have reportedly been requesting such functionality for months. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Apple plans to allow external voice-controlled AI chatbots in CarPlay, Bloomberg News reports

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Apple is preparing to allow voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps from other companies in CarPlay, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The change represents a strategic shift for Apple, which, until now, has only allowed its own Siri assistant as a voice-control option. With this move, users will be able to query AI chatbots from other companies through CarPlay's vehicle interface for the first time, according to the report. Apple declined to comment on the report. AI companies and providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet's Google would be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode, the report added. However, Apple will not let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word to summon the service. Instead, users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control, the report said. The iPhone maker is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming month, allowing developers to design their apps to automatically launch voice mode upon opening, according to the report. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)