If you’ve ever felt limited by Siri’s in-car voice controls, Apple’s next update could make things more interesting.
With iOS 26.4, Apple is finally allowing third-party AI chatbots to integrate directly with Apple CarPlay (via MacRumors). That means services like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini could soon be accessible from your dashboard for the first time.
Until now, CarPlay users have effectively been limited to Siri’s built-in voice controls. While Apple has long supported third-party apps on CarPlay, it’s only been within tightly controlled categories, with voice-based conversational apps not supported.
That all changes with iOS 26.4, which is currently in a developer beta ahead of its general release later this year. Apple’s updated CarPlay developer documentation introduces a new supported category for voice-based conversational apps. There’s also a dedicated voice control screen that lets these apps provide visual feedback while you’re speaking, keeping the experience optimised for in-car use.
In practice, you’ll be able to launch a compatible AI app and ask questions hands-free, much like you would on your phone.
There are limits, though. Third-party chatbots won’t be able to control vehicle functions or core iPhone features, and there won’t be a wake word option to summon them directly. You’ll still need to open the relevant app before you start chatting. Once active, however, the new voice interface will handle the interaction.
Importantly, this doesn’t replace Siri. Apple’s built-in assistant will continue to manage vehicle controls and system-level tasks – these AI apps simply sit alongside it as an alternative way to ask questions or hold conversations.
Overall, it’s a notable shift for Apple. Opening CarPlay to companies like OpenAI, Anthropic and Google signals that third-party AI tools are becoming mainstream enough to warrant a place on the dashboard.
