Apple is preparing a major change for Apple CarPlay that could reshape how drivers use AI while on the road. According to a new report, Apple plans to allow voice-enabled AI chatbot apps to work inside CarPlay. This shift would let drivers talk to third-party AI apps without touching their iPhone, making in-car use safer and more practical.
The update focuses on voice interaction. Today, AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini support voice conversations on iPhone, but they do not integrate properly with CarPlay. Apple now plans to open CarPlay to this new app category, adding voice-based AI to its limited list of supported app types.
Apple plans controlled access for AI apps in CarPlay
Mark Gurman reported the development on Bloomberg.
“The company is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming months,” said people familiar with the matter.
Apple currently limits CarPlay apps to areas such as navigation, communication, and audio. Voice-enabled chatbot apps would become a new category. This matters because many carmakers already build their own AI voice systems, often bypassing CarPlay entirely. Apple’s move helps CarPlay stay relevant inside newer vehicles.
At the same time, Apple plans to keep firm control over the system. Users will not be able to replace Siri as the main voice assistant. Apple will not allow third-party apps to take over the Siri button or the wake word. Drivers will need to open the chatbot app inside CarPlay before using its voice features.
The CarPlay change is separate from Apple’s work on Apple Intelligence. Apple plans to improve Siri backed by Google Gemini. That upgrade is expected to arrive in iOS 26.4.
The report does not confirm whether the CarPlay update will ship as part of iOS 26 or arrive later with iOS 27. Apple is expected to preview iOS 27 in June, and Gurman has previously reported that Apple plans a larger Siri overhaul during that cycle. According to those reports, Apple aims to introduce real chatbot-style features for Siri later this year.
If Apple follows through, drivers will gain a safer way to use AI chatbots through CarPlay. Voice-only access reduces distraction and keeps Apple’s strict safety model intact. At the same time, Apple avoids giving up control of Siri or the core CarPlay experience.
The change signals a careful opening rather than a full takeover by third-party AI. Apple wants CarPlay to support modern AI use while keeping its system predictable and tightly managed.
