2 min read
Apple is preparing a major update to CarPlay that would allow third-party artificial intelligence assistants. These would likely include popular chatbots such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude, to operate via voice inside vehicles for the first time.
Until now, CarPlay has limited voice control to Apple’s own Siri assistant and a narrow selection of supported apps such as navigation, messaging, and music. But in a strategic move that acknowledges growing consumer demand for more advanced in-car AI features, Apple is reportedly planning to open up its vehicle interface to external voice-enabled AI applications in the coming months.
According to reports, Apple will allow these third-party chatbots to be accessed hands-free through CarPlay, meaning drivers could ask contextual questions, get real-time information, or receive AI-assisted responses, all without touching their iPhone or dashboard controls.
However, Apple is not relinquishing control entirely. The company will keep Siri as the default voice assistant, and third-party AI apps will not be able to replace Siri’s wake word or main system button. To activate another assistant, drivers will need to manually open the relevant third-party app in CarPlay, though developers can design their software to enter voice mode automatically once launched.
Given how Apple has decided to partner with Google to utilize Google Assistant/Gemini features for upgrading Siri, such a new combination for CarPlay is not a shocking news.
By enabling conversational AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to work within CarPlay, Apple could give drivers access to sophisticated language-based assistance for tasks such as planning routes, checking weather or traffic, finding nearby services, and even composing messages or summaries.
