CarPlay with AI: AI apps allowed in the future
So far, AI applications have not been allowed as apps for Apple's iPhone vehicle integration. This is set to change soon.
Apple CarPlay: So far, Siri dominates the scene when it comes to assistance systems.
(Image: Apple)
Apple still does not allow every app in the car: CarPlay has specific permissions for different categories. Not included so far: applications from major AI providers with voice mode functionality. This could change at the latest with iOS 26.4, expected in April or May: according to a US media report, Apple is preparing to allow AI apps. This would make it possible to address chatbots directly via voice through CarPlay, such as ChatGPT from OpenAI, Claude from Anthropic, or Gemini from Google.
Direct AI interaction – but not like Siri
This would allow iPhone owners to address such applications directly via the vehicle's main display for the first time – until now, this was only possible via the smartphone. However, what is not planned is the complete replacement of Apple's own voice assistant Siri. It can be accessed via a standard button in the car and within the CarPlay interface. However, Apple does not want to open it up to third-party providers. Instead, the respective app must be opened first, which disrupts convenience. There will also initially be no so-called wake word for the AI apps, which will also continue to be exclusive to Siri.
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Even in the car, Siri has so far worked more poorly than well. Users use the voice assistant, among other things, to start navigation, answer messages, or control music playback. However, a real dialogue is not possible with Siri. So far, users have resorted to various workarounds, such as using a shortcut to address ChatGPT and then calling it up in CarPlay.
Apple gets help from Google
Apple has not yet provided any technical details on how the CarPlay integration of AI apps will work. The company itself is working on a better assistance function that uses Google's Gemini. Initial improvements are planned with iOS 26.4, which will be released in April or May. However, Siri will not receive real “world knowledge” until iOS 27 in the coming autumn, then with “real” chatbot functionality thanks to Google technology.
Meanwhile, Apple's improved CarPlay, CarPlay Ultra, is also slowly making its way into more vehicles. After the luxury brand Aston Martin, Kia from South Korea is reportedly next in line.
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