Use ChatGPT in the car via CarPlay thanks to iOS 26.4
After Apple released AI assistants for its iPhone car integration, OpenAI is making the first move. The latest ChatGPT update comes with CarPlay.
ChatGPT in the car: Simple app, but it works.
(Image: Screenshot via Macrumors)
OpenAI is the first major AI chatbot provider to make the leap into Apple's iPhone car integration, CarPlay. The new version 1.2026.078 for iOS, released overnight on Wednesday, is said to add the feature, according to users and Macrumors. The implementation is relatively simple, which is due to Apple's guidelines, which aim to ensure as little distraction potential as possible for car apps.
Minimalist app
As part of iOS 26.4, Apple for the first time allowed AI applications to be defined as another CarPlay category. Apple is very cautious about which apps are released for iPhone car integration. For example, neither browsers nor video apps are officially allowed. However, Apple will itself be adding video capabilities, planning Apple TV for parked vehicles, which will only be possible in certain models via “AirPlay in the Car.”
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ChatGPT automatically lands in CarPlay as soon as the iOS app has been updated; the icon should be visible on the last page. The app itself is purely designed for voice control; when you start it, the voice chat is immediately active. You can then ask any questions and get the appropriate answers directly in the car. However, nothing happens on the screen itself; neither text nor images are allowed. This is again due to Apple's guidelines, which state that chatbots are not allowed to respond with content for the eyes, regardless of how it is displayed.
Competitors should follow quickly
At least the ChatGPT app can access existing chat histories and projects. There is an overview of this. The chats should (including text) also be found directly in the app on the iPhone (as well as on Mac and the web) later. Voice control uses Apple's usual template. Direct activation of ChatGPT via the Siri button in the car is not planned.
It is to be expected that after OpenAI, competitors Anthropic (Claude) and Google (Gemini) will also follow suit with their apps very soon. As ChatGPT demonstrates, the implementation is not difficult. However, users must be aware of the mentioned limited scope of use stipulated by Apple. Even with text messages and SMS, CarPlay has not displayed text for years, letting Siri read them out, which can take some time.
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