Apple CarPlay users may soon gain access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots directly from their vehicle's infotainment system. Reports indicate that Apple is actively developing support for third-party AI chatbot applications, including popular platforms like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude, within its automotive interface.
Currently, Apple CarPlay functions as an extension of an iPhone, wirelessly projecting select applications onto a vehicle's infotainment display. Drivers can interact with these apps, which include Apple Music, messaging, and navigation, primarily through Apple's native voice assistant, Siri.
The upcoming next-generation CarPlay, often referred to as CarPlay Ultra, aims to expand this integration even further. It's designed to take over not just the central touchscreen but also the digital dashboard directly in front of the driver, offering control over various vehicle settings.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources, Apple engineers are working to enable support for these external AI chatbot apps within CarPlay over the coming months. This strategic move could allow users to bring their preferred AI assistants into their cars, potentially positioning Apple's long-standing voice assistant, Siri, in a less prominent role within the CarPlay ecosystem.
