With iOS 26.4, Apple is expanding CarPlay support to include third-party voice-based conversational apps. For the first time, AI services like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini will be able to integrate directly with CarPlay.
Voice-based conversational apps now supported
Apple’s CarPlay Developer Guide now lists voice-based conversational apps as a supported app category starting with iOS 26.4. Bloomberg had reported two weeks back that support for third-party AI chatbot apps was on the way to CarPlay.
To enable this, Apple is introducing a new voice control screen that allows apps to provide visual feedback while a voice-based service is active. This interface is designed to remain vehicle-optimized and distraction-aware, in line with CarPlay’s long-standing safety restrictions.
Developers will need to:
- Add support for the new voice control screen
- Apply for and receive a specific voice-based conversational app entitlement
- Update their existing apps to enable CarPlay integration
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A major shift for CarPlay AI access
CarPlay has long supported select third-party apps, but Apple tightly restricts categories to prevent driver distraction. Until now, companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google were unable to build dedicated CarPlay apps.
That meant drivers were limited to Siri for in-car voice interactions.
With iOS 26.4, CarPlay users will be able to open supported chatbot apps and ask questions hands-free through their vehicle’s infotainment system.
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Limitations still apply
There are still important restrictions in place:
- Third-party AI apps cannot control vehicle functions
- They cannot control core iPhone system features
- There is no wake word support for third-party apps
Unlike Siri, users will need to manually open the chatbot app in CarPlay before interacting with it. Once launched, the new voice control screen will provide a customized interface optimized for in-car use.
iOS 26.4 release timeline
iOS 26.4 is currently in beta and is expected to launch publicly this spring.
If widely adopted by developers, this update could significantly expand AI functionality inside vehicles, giving drivers more conversational options beyond Siri while maintaining Apple’s safety-focused CarPlay framework.
