**iOS 26.4 Introduces Voice-Driven AI App Compatibility to CarPlay**
Earlier this month, Bloomberg disclosed that Apple was gearing up to enhance CarPlay with the ability to support voice-driven interactions in AI applications such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. This week’s rollout of iOS 26.4 beta 1 officially brings that capability.
For those who are not aware, Apple restricts the types of apps that can be used in CarPlay. This is implemented for safety considerations, as well as the design constraints of Apple’s CarPlay framework. Unlike iPhone apps, CarPlay applications must be developed using Apple-supplied templates within the CarPlay framework.
In the February 2026 version of its CarPlay Developer Guide, Apple indicates that “voice-driven conversational apps” are now allowed in CarPlay. Here’s the comprehensive list of supported app categories:
– Audio apps
– Communication apps (SiriKit Messaging or VoIP Calling)
– Driving task apps
– EV charging apps
– Fueling apps
– Navigation apps (providing turn-by-turn route guidance)
– Parking apps
– Public safety apps
– Quick food ordering apps
– Voice-driven conversational apps
Apple clarifies that “voice-driven conversational apps must prioritize voice as the main mode upon launch; and subsequently, respond appropriately to inquiries or requests and execute actions.” These applications should “optimize for voice interaction within the driving context” and refrain from showing text and images in response to queries.
The key point is that this will necessitate engagement from app developers. While Apple has provided foundational support for these app types in CarPlay with iOS 26.4, it is up to developers such as OpenAI and Google to modify their applications for CarPlay compatibility.
Furthermore, these applications will not serve as replacements for Siri in CarPlay. Users will be able to access something like ChatGPT in CarPlay only by launching the specific ChatGPT app on their vehicle’s infotainment display.
Whether Google and OpenAI capitalize on this opportunity is yet to be determined. OpenAI currently has native ChatGPT applications for Mac and iPhone, while Google offers a native Gemini app for iPhone.
Besides the introduction of support for voice-driven conversational apps, iOS 26.4 also further establishes the infrastructure for video playback through CarPlay.