Apple is officially opening CarPlay to third-party AI chatbots. With iOS 26.4 beta 1, Apple has introduced support for a new category called voice-based conversational apps, allowing services like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to run directly in CarPlay for the first time.
The change appears in Apple’s updated CarPlay Developer Guide and is live in the current iOS 26.4 beta. While CarPlay has long supported third-party apps, Apple strictly limits categories to reduce driver distraction. Until now, voice interaction in the car was largely restricted to Siri, with no native path for standalone AI chatbot apps.
Under iOS 26.4, developers can apply for a dedicated entitlement for voice-based conversational apps. These apps must launch directly into voice mode and prioritize spoken interaction. Apple requires them to optimize for the driving environment, avoid displaying text-heavy or image-based responses, and provide only minimal visual feedback using an approved voice control template.
Apple’s updated list of supported CarPlay app categories now includes:
-
Audio apps
-
Communication apps using SiriKit Messaging or VoIP calling
-
Driving task apps
-
EV charging apps
-
Fueling apps
-
Navigation apps with turn-by-turn guidance
-
Parking apps
-
Public safety apps
-
Quick food ordering apps
-
Voice-based conversational apps
There are clear guardrails. Third-party AI apps cannot replace Siri as the system-level assistant. There is no wake word support for launching them, which means users must manually open the chatbot app from the CarPlay dashboard before starting a conversation. These apps also cannot control vehicle systems, iPhone settings, or other connected functions.
Apple further limits interface depth. Voice-based conversational apps are restricted to a small number of template screens and must release audio sessions once interaction ends. This ensures they do not interfere with music, radio, or other in-car audio sources longer than necessary.
For companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, adoption is optional. Apple has enabled the framework in iOS 26.4, but each developer must update its app to add CarPlay support and secure the required entitlement. As of now, iOS 26.4 remains in beta and is expected to launch publicly this spring.
In parallel, iOS 26.4 also continues laying groundwork for expanded CarPlay capabilities, including support for in-car video playback in specific contexts. But the headline change is clear: AI chatbot apps are getting a dedicated, voice-first space inside CarPlay, without taking over the wheel from Siri.
