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Apple is reportedly preparing to bring a major update to its CarPlay vehicle interface which will enable the drivers to access third-party AI voice assistants such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini.
This move marks the first time Apple will permit outside voice-control within CarPlay, breaking Siri’s long-standing exclusivity. As reported by Bloomberg, the company is working to support apps in CarPlay and the change is said to come in coming months. Until now, Siri has been the only voice assistant integrated into CarPlay. Siri is responsible for handling music playback, messaging and navigation. However, with the upcoming change, the drivers will now be able to query AI chatbots directly via CarPlay.
For instance, asking ChatGPT for restaurant recommendations — without taking their hands off the wheel. However, Apple has not yet commended on the matter.
Limits and controls
- Siri will remain the default assistant, with its button and wake word unchanged.
- To use AI apps, drivers will need to open the app within CarPlay, though developers can design them to launch voice mode automatically.
- This ensures Apple maintains control over the CarPlay experience while expanding functionality.
Increasing demand for AI in cars
Consumers have increasingly sought broader AI capabilities beyond Siri’s scope, often resorting to workarounds like syncing iPhone widgets to CarPlay. The integration of ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini will streamline access, making AI-powered queries more natural in the driving environment.
Apple’s own AI push
Apple is also working to enhance Siri with “World Knowledge Answers”, a feature that will add web search and summarisation abilities similar to ChatGPT. The company last updated CarPlay with widgets and a Liquid Glass interface in iOS 26, and is slowly rolling out CarPlay Ultra, which can control in-car functions like seat adjustments and climate settings.
English (US) ·