Apple CarPlay Could Soon Support ChatGPT and Other AI Assistants

In a significant departure from its typically closed ecosystem, Apple is reportedly preparing to allow third-party AI voice assistants into CarPlay for the very first time. According to sources familiar with the plans, drivers may soon be able to access ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude directly through their vehicle’s CarPlay interface—a move that could fundamentally change how we interact with our cars, if the rumors prove accurate.

The Potential End of Siri’s Monopoly

Until now, Siri has been the only voice assistant permitted to operate within Apple CarPlay’s interface. This exclusivity made sense from Apple’s perspective, maintaining tight control over the user experience has always been central to the company’s strategy. But with the AI voice assistants evolving to offer more sophisticated responses and broader knowledge bases, many drivers have been left wanting more than what Siri can provide.

The rumored expansion is expected to roll out in the coming months, though Apple has not confirmed any details publicly. When contacted for comment, an Apple spokesperson declined to provide information, leaving this firmly in rumor territory for now.

How Third-Party AI Could Actually Work

If these reports turn out to be accurate, don’t expect to replace Siri entirely—there would still be some important limitations to understand. Apple reportedly isn’t handing over the keys to the kingdom; they’re just opening a carefully controlled door.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who broke the story, “Apple won’t let users replace the Siri button on CarPlay or the wake word that summons the service. Instead, users will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control.”

This would mean you won’t be able to say “Hey ChatGPT” to wake up your AI assistant of choice. Instead, you’ll need to launch the specific app first. However, developers would have the ability to program their apps to automatically activate voice mode when opened, which should minimize the friction in everyday use.

Why This Could Matter for Your Daily Drive

If you’ve ever tried to use an AI chatbot while driving, you know the current experience is less than ideal. Right now, accessing these tools requires awkward workarounds, activating an AI app on your iPhone and routing audio through your car’s speakers, or manually setting up app shortcuts. These makeshift solutions aren’t just inconvenient; they can be rather dangerous, requiring you to handle your phone while behind the wheel.

If the rumored CarPlay integration becomes reality, it could change the game completely. Need restaurant recommendations based on your dietary restrictions and current location? Want to quickly research whether that check engine light is serious? Curious about that car you just passed? With AI assistants integrated into Apple CarPlay, you could potentially get detailed, conversational responses without ever touching your phone.

That means a driver could ask ChatGPT for restaurant recommendations, how late Best Buy is open till, or find out how much gas is at Costco, all without taking their hands off the wheel.

Apple’s AI Counteroffensive

While opening CarPlay to competitors might seem like an admission of defeat, Apple isn’t conceding the AI voice assistant race just yet. The company is reportedly working on big improvements to Siri, including a feature internally dubbed “World Knowledge Answers.”

This upgrade is designed to give Siri ChatGPT-like web search capabilities, allowing it to fetch and summarize online information more effectively. The feature is expected to launch later this year, potentially arriving around the same time as third-party AI support, if both features materialize as reported.

Why We’re Excited About This

If confirmed, this move would represent more than just a technical update, it would signal a subtle but important shift in Apple’s strategy. The company has historically maintained iron-fisted control over its ecosystem, particularly in CarPlay, where safety concerns provide additional justification for a walled garden approach.

By potentially allowing third-party AI assistants, Apple would be acknowledging that users want access to the latest AI technology, even if it means loosening their grip slightly. It would be a pragmatic decision that balances user demand with Apple’s need to maintain control over critical safety-related features.

For drivers, the potential benefit is clear: access to more powerful, knowledgeable AI assistants that could handle complex queries and provide detailed information, all while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. As AI technology continues to advance, this update would ensure your car’s infotainment system won’t be left behind.

Of course, until Apple makes it official, all of this remains speculation. But if this proves to be accurate, CarPlay could be on the verge of its most significant capability expansion yet.