ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude come to Apple CarPlay with iOS 26.4. Previous reports suggested that Apple would soon open up its in-car software experience to AI models from OpenAI, Google and Anthropic, and the CarPlay Developer Guide now partially confirms the plan.
According to MacRumors, iOS 26.4 will allow users to access third-party chatbots in CarPlay and add support for voice-based conversation apps. Apple is reportedly introducing a new voice control screen to enable this feature and allow apps to provide visual feedback during voice interactions. The company has published a template for this screen in the CarPlay Developer Guide.
Supporting this new voice control screen requires AI apps integrated with CarPlay while voice-based services are active. Additionally, Apple introduced a new permission for the “voice-based conversation app CarPlay,” which requires at least iOS 26.4. Companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google must update their apps with this permission to enable CarPlay compatibility.
While CarPlay already supports third-party apps, Apple is currently limiting the types of apps that can be used in the in-car experience to help drivers concentrate. Previously, this limitation prevented companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic from bringing their chatbots to CarPlay, leaving users reliant on Siri.
Third-party chatbots do not support wake words
The new integration allows CarPlay users to interact hands-free with apps like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. However, these apps cannot control vehicle functions or iPhone settings and wake words such as “Hey, Siri” are not supported. Users must manually open the app to start a voice-based interaction. However, once activated, the new voice control screen offers “vehicle-optimized chatbot experiences.”
It’s worth noting that the CarPlay Developer Guide doesn’t specifically list the chatbots coming to CarPlay, but based on the previous report, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are likely candidates. iOS 26.4 is currently in beta and is expected to be available on the stable channel in the spring.
