Apple May Permit Third-Party AI Chatbots on CarPlay
Key Points
- Bloomberg reports Apple may allow third‑party AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini on CarPlay.
- Siri would stay the default assistant, but users could launch alternative bots from the dashboard.
- Support is expected in the coming months, though no exact rollout date is given.
- Recent iOS updates have already added generative AI features to Siri.
- Apple has partnered with Google to power future Siri upgrades.
- The move could broaden Apple’s AI ecosystem and respond to competitive pressures.
A Bloomberg report suggests Apple could soon allow third‑party voice‑enabled AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Gemini to appear on the CarPlay dashboard. Siri would remain the default assistant, but users might be able to launch alternative chatbots directly from CarPlay. The change is expected in the coming months, though no exact rollout date has been confirmed. The move follows recent enhancements to Siri with generative AI and a partnership with Google to power future Siri updates, indicating Apple’s willingness to open its platforms to additional AI services.
Potential Expansion of AI on Apple CarPlay
A new Bloomberg report, citing Mark Gurman’s insights, indicates that Apple may relax CarPlay’s long‑standing restrictions on the types of apps allowed on vehicle dashboards. The rumor points to the possibility that third‑party conversational AI bots, specifically ChatGPT and Gemini, could be made available for users to launch and interact with via the CarPlay interface.
According to sources familiar with Apple’s plans, Siri would continue to serve as the default voice‑activated assistant on CarPlay. However, drivers would gain the option to open alternative voice‑enabled AI assistants directly from the CarPlay screen if they choose. This flexibility would represent a notable shift in Apple’s approach to AI integration on its automotive platform.
The report notes that support for these additional chatbots is expected to arrive in the coming months, though no precise timeline has been disclosed. The rollout could align with upcoming iOS updates, including iOS 26 and the anticipated iOS 27 release that typically coincides with Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, but the exact timing remains unclear.
Recent AI Enhancements to Siri
Apple has already incorporated generative AI capabilities into Siri, integrating technology similar to ChatGPT in iOS 18. This upgrade provides true large‑language‑model functionality to Apple devices while the company continues work on its own “Apple Intelligence.” Earlier this year, Apple announced a partnership with Google to power the next generation of Siri, with the new Google‑based models expected to appear in a future iOS release. This collaboration is described as a behind‑the‑scenes integration rather than a direct chatbot replacement.
The potential addition of ChatGPT and Gemini on CarPlay would complement these broader AI initiatives, signaling Apple’s willingness to open its platforms to external AI services, at least temporarily. While Apple has not confirmed the plans, the information from Bloomberg suggests the company is preparing to broaden the AI ecosystem available to its users, possibly to address regulatory scrutiny and stay competitive with rivals that have already deployed advanced chatbots.