According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple will soon allow third-party AI chatbot apps to integrate directly with CarPlay. That means services like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini could finally be accessible inside your car.
For the first time, drivers may be able to interact with these AI tools hands-free while on the road.
Third-party AI apps are coming to CarPlay
CarPlay already supports a range of third-party apps. But the categories are tightly controlled. Messaging, navigation, audio, and EV charging apps are allowed. AI chatbot apps are not.
That is about to change.
Apple plans to expand CarPlay’s supported app types to include third-party AI voice apps. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic will be able to build dedicated CarPlay experiences instead of relying solely on Siri.
This is a notable shift in Apple’s traditionally closed in-car ecosystem.
What you’ll actually be able to do
Once supported, users will be able to:
- Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini directly in CarPlay
- Ask questions using voice
- Get responses read aloud while driving
However, there are important limitations.
These apps will not:
- Replace Siri
- Respond to a wake word
- Control vehicle systems
- Control iPhone settings
In other words, Siri remains the system-level assistant. Third-party AI apps will function more like voice-based tools that you manually launch.
Developers will be able to design in-car interfaces that immediately open into voice chat mode, making the process smoother once the app is tapped.
Timeline: “within the coming months”
Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to roll out support for third-party AI apps in CarPlay within the coming months. That timing could align closely with another major AI push from Apple.
With iOS 26.4, Apple is set to debut a smarter, more personalized version of Siri powered by large language models.
The upgraded Siri is expected to:
- Answer more complex questions
- Handle multi-step tasks
- Maintain conversational context
- Work more fluidly between apps
- Offer World Knowledge Answers by searching and summarizing web content
If Apple is strengthening Siri while also opening CarPlay to external AI models, it suggests a broader strategy. Instead of blocking outside AI tools, Apple may be positioning itself as the orchestrator of a larger AI ecosystem.
Why this matters
CarPlay is used millions of times per day. Bringing ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini into that environment changes how people might use AI in everyday life.
Think about it:
- Asking ChatGPT to summarize an article while commuting
- Using Gemini to plan a dinner stop mid-drive
- Getting Claude to explain something you just heard on the radio
It turns the car into another AI access point.
At the same time, Apple is keeping guardrails in place. Siri remains the system controller and third-party AI apps stay sandboxed. More details are expected soon as Apple prepares both its Siri overhaul and expanded CarPlay AI support.
