Apple Prepares to Bring ChatGPT and Gemini to CarPlay
Apple is preparing a major strategic shift by allowing third party AI applications to integrate voice-based interactions directly into CarPlay. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, this move will enable drivers to access intelligent chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini straight from their car display, breaking away from the long-standing Siri only limitation.
This change marks an important evolution for CarPlay. While users have technically been able to access AI assistants through Bluetooth connections in the past, native CarPlay support allows for a smoother, safer, and more driver focused experience. The interface and interaction flow are designed specifically for use while driving, reducing distractions and making complex voice interactions easier to manage on the road.
Why Apple Is Opening the Door to Third Party AI
One of the main motivations behind this update is to address the growing demand for more advanced conversational capabilities. Tasks that involve longer explanations, contextual reasoning, or complex questions are areas where Siri has often struggled. By allowing access to external AI models, Apple gives users more choice while improving the overall usefulness of CarPlay without fully replacing its own assistant.
Drivers will be able to ask broader questions, receive detailed explanations, or even use AI as a conversational companion during long trips. This is especially appealing for users who already rely on ChatGPT or Gemini in their daily digital routines.
Siri Still Holds the Core Controls
Despite the expanded access, Apple remains cautious about maintaining control over its ecosystem. Third party AI assistants will not be allowed to replace Siri as the default voice trigger, nor will they be able to use their own wake words such as “Hey Google.” Users who want to interact with Gemini or ChatGPT will need to manually open the app before using voice commands.
This approach allows Apple to preserve Siri’s central role while still offering flexibility for users who want more advanced AI capabilities.
Alignment With Apple’s Broader AI Strategy
The CarPlay update aligns closely with Apple’s recent announcements around Apple Intelligence and its collaboration with Google. Apple has already confirmed plans to integrate Gemini as part of Siri’s backend intelligence, aiming to improve contextual understanding and conversational depth.
By combining its own assistant with best in class AI models, Apple hopes to reduce the need for users to switch between apps while still delivering a smarter and more natural interaction experience.
AI, Subscriptions, and the Bigger Industry Picture
The push toward AI powered services also reflects a larger industry trend. In 2025, Google reported more than 60 billion USD in revenue from YouTube advertising and subscriptions alone, highlighting how AI enhanced subscription models are becoming a major growth engine across the tech sector.
Apple’s move to enhance CarPlay with AI fits neatly into this landscape, where intelligent services are increasingly seen as long term value drivers rather than optional extras.
When to Expect the Update
The AI integration for CarPlay is expected to roll out within the next few months, likely as part of a future iOS update focused on intelligent assistant upgrades. While Apple has not confirmed an exact release date, the feature is widely expected to arrive sooner rather than later.
For drivers who spend long hours on the road and want a smarter, more conversational companion during traffic jams or road trips, CarPlay’s upcoming AI expansion could be one of Apple’s most meaningful qualities of life upgrades in years.
Origin: Engadget
