- ChatGPT is coming on Apple CarPlay update for iOS 26.4
- Update adds support for “voice-based conversational apps”
- Interaction is limited to voice messages only
We reported on a major Apple update in February this year with the release of the new iOS 26.4 public beta.
The main news was the inclusion of third-party, voice-controlled AI chatbots on CarPlay for the first time, allowing drivers to make the most of AI assistants beyond those that are part of many modern cars.
Where Mercedes-Benz has its “Hey Mercedes!” prompts and Renault’s newer offerings have the Reno, these are not only limited to just the latest models but are also relatively limited in what they can deliver.
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On the other hand, the likes of ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Claude are opening up the possibility of more powerful AI assistants, even in older vehicles.
Last week, Apple released iOS 26.4 to the public, and a few days later OpenAI responded with an update to ChatGPT that made it compatible with the iPhone mirroring software.
Those running the latest version of iOS will see a dedicated ChatGPT app pop up on the screen (as long as it’s on the device itself) and when opened, it allows for “voice-based” conversations with the AI-powered app.
Users will be able to see a list of past chats, but due to security laws put in place by Apple, they will only be able to talk to the chatbot rather than write or read the resulting reams of text that it produces.
Basically, it’s the same as interacting with the smartphone app in voice mode, and the CarPlay app is about as simple as they come. There’s just a question icon to show the app is listening, and a button to mute and end the conversation.
Analysis: simple but effective
ChatGPT’s voice mode is pretty good, and for most drivers, the ability to ask questions and receive detailed answers will be a boon. It’s a great tool for solving arguments in the car.
That said, there’s no wake word, so you have to manually open the app to use it (a distraction in itself), nor can the app be used to interact with the iPhone or make adjustments to the car’s settings like Siri and manufacturer-designed chatbots can.
It’s a cautious first step into the world of AI apps and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, but it’s likely just the beginning.
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