Apple Adds ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini to CarPlay in iOS 26.4

AI assistants are coming to CarPlay

Apple’s first iOS 26.4 beta includes support for third-party AI assistants in CarPlay. The feature was discovered in the updated CarPlay Developer Guide, which lists a new “CarPlay voice-based conversational app” entitlement.

This paves the way for apps like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to integrate with Apple’s in-car system. While not yet functional in the current beta, the documentation confirms Apple is opening CarPlay to these voice-based AI tools for the first time.

How the integration will work

According to the guide, drivers will be able to query these AI assistants while driving. However, Apple is imposing strict limitations on how they operate within the car environment.

The assistants will not be able to control vehicle functions or the connected iPhone. There will also be no wake-word activation; users must tap the app icon to begin an interaction.

Apple’s guidelines state these apps must only be active during voice use and should avoid displaying text or imagery in response to queries. This keeps the driver’s focus on the road.

A controlled expansion of CarPlay

This move represents a significant, but carefully managed, expansion of CarPlay’s capabilities. Apple has historically been selective about which app categories are permitted.

The company is now providing developers with specific guidance for implementation. Key requirements from the documentation include:

• Apps must be purely voice-based during use.
• Visual responses like text or images are prohibited.
• Functionality is limited to conversational queries, not device or car control.

This contrasts with Apple’s own Siri, which can perform device actions. The approach ensures third-party AI remains a supplemental information tool, not a system controller.

Other features in iOS 26.4

The AI CarPlay support is just one of several new features arriving with the update. The first beta also includes more user-facing changes than the previous iOS 26.3 release.

Notable additions already available for testing include an AI playlist generator for Apple Music and long-awaited support for end-to-end encryption in RCS messages. The full public release of iOS 26.4 is expected this spring.

A warning for beta testers

While the new CarPlay feature is confirmed, it is not yet active in the current iOS 26.4 beta. Apple typically rolls out new functionalities in later beta builds.

Installing this early developer beta carries significant risk. These builds are unstable and can contain bugs that may disrupt phone functionality or lead to data loss.

For most users, it is advisable to wait for the stable public release. The feature will require app updates from developers like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to become fully operational.