CarPlay is opening up to third-party AI assistants

Apple is quietly reshaping the way we think about in-car technology, and the latest move could be one of its most consequential. According to Bloomberg reporting, Apple plans to open up CarPlay to third-party AI chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini. For the first time, drivers could have access to these conversational assistants directly through the CarPlay interface, marking a significant expansion of what’s possible behind the wheel.

Until now, CarPlay has been a tightly controlled ecosystem. Apple allowed third-party apps, but only in specific categories—music, navigation, messaging, and a few others. Voice interaction was essentially limited to Siri, which, despite years of updates, has often lagged behind newer AI assistants in terms of flexibility and intelligence. This change signals Apple’s recognition that drivers want more than just Siri’s canned responses. They want the richness of modern AI, but in a way that’s safe and streamlined for the road.

The rollout won’t be a free-for-all. These chatbots won’t be able to control vehicle functions or iPhone settings, and they won’t replace Siri as the default assistant. Instead, users will need to open the chatbot app within CarPlay to start a voice-based session. That means no wake words like “Hey ChatGPT” while driving—Apple is keeping Siri as the gatekeeper. Developers will be able to design experiences that launch into a conversational mode once the app is opened, giving drivers hands-free access to information, entertainment, or even a bit of company on long drives.

Timing is key here. Apple is expected to support these third-party AI apps “within the coming months,” which lines up with its own Siri overhaul in iOS 26.4. That update will introduce a more personalized Siri powered by large language models, capable of answering complex questions, handling multi-step tasks, and even pulling knowledge from the web. Later, in iOS 27, Siri is expected to gain full chatbot capabilities, putting it in direct competition with the likes of Gemini and ChatGPT. In other words, Apple is opening the door to rivals just as it’s preparing to make Siri smarter than ever.

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The move raises questions about distraction and safety. Some critics argue that cars are already overloaded with tech, and adding AI chatbots could make driving more dangerous. Others see it as a natural evolution—if Tesla drivers can chat with Grok, why shouldn’t CarPlay users have the same option? For enthusiasts, the idea of asking Claude about the history of a town while driving through it, or having ChatGPT summarize the latest headlines on the way to work, sounds like a welcome upgrade.

Apple’s strategy seems to balance openness with control. By allowing third-party AI apps but keeping Siri as the default, it can satisfy users who want choice while still pushing its own assistant forward. It also positions Apple as a platform provider in the AI space, rather than just a competitor. That’s a subtle but important distinction: Apple doesn’t need to “win” the chatbot wars outright if it can make CarPlay the place where those wars are fought.

For drivers, the practical impact could be huge. Imagine commuting with Gemini giving you a personalized news digest, or Claude helping brainstorm ideas for a project, all without touching your phone. It’s not hard to see how this could redefine the daily drive. But it also underscores the broader shift in tech: AI is no longer confined to desktops and smartphones—it’s becoming part of the fabric of everyday life, even in the car.

Apple has always been cautious about how much freedom it gives developers in CarPlay. Opening the door to AI chatbots is a bold step, but one that reflects the reality of where user expectations are heading. Siri alone may not be enough anymore, and Apple seems ready to acknowledge that—even as it prepares to make Siri smarter than ever.