Tired of Siri in your car? ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini are coming to CarPlay later this year

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.

• Read more: The iPhone 17 Pro Max is being traded in more than any other phone, just four months after launch. But why?

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.

• Read more: This new iPhone update adds extra protection if your phone is stolen

Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.