CarPlay in iOS 26.4 unlocked access to a new category of apps: third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT, which just shipped its new CarPlay app yesterday. Here’s why these new apps offer a glimpse at what to expect from iOS 27 and the new Siri.
iOS 26.4 brings AI chatbots to CarPlay, with ChatGPT available now
AI chatbots continue to increase in popularity. That’s reflected in the App Store top charts, which are consistently dominated by AI apps like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude.
Now with IOS 26.4, those AI chatbots can be taken on the road too thanks to CarPlay support.
This week ChatGPT became the first major AI player to ship a CarPlay app. It lets you interact with OpenAI’s assistant in a voice-only, conversational mode.
Even though I don’t often use voice to interact with AI chatbots, CarPlay will now start to change that for me.
There’s something very futuristic-feeling about getting to hold a conversation with an AI assistant while driving. Your focus can stay on the road, but you can actually get useful information and even stay productive in certain ways with AI’s help.
It’s great that Apple now allows AI apps in CarPlay. But what gets me even more excited is the foreshadowing of what’s reportedly coming in iOS 27.
Siri in iOS 27 should offer an even better CarPlay AI experience
After a long wait, all signs indicate that Siri will finally get a proper AI overhaul in iOS 27.
The new Siri will be LLM-based, built on the foundation of Google Gemini models custom-tailored by and for Apple.
It will be conversational like all other AI chatbots, let you make multiple requests in a single sentence, and offer far greater intelligence than the current Siri has—including about you personally and the world generally.
In other words, Siri in iOS 27 will be modernized to match the powers of third-party AI offerings. But with all the benefits of being deeply integrated with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and more.
That deep integration is expected to extend to the car too.
Just like today, Siri will continue to take priority in the CarPlay interface.
You’ll be able to invoke Siri by simply saying ‘Siri,’ or using your vehicle’s microphone button. By contrast, third-party AI apps require manually tapping to open the app.
Siri will also have deep tie-ins with Apple’s pre-installed apps like Maps, Music, Podcasts, and more.
No doubt, the new Siri won’t be perfect. I’m sure it will still cause occasional eye rolls—like other AI chatbots do too.
But with all of the new intelligence and capabilities coming, iOS 27’s CarPlay experience seems set to get a big upgrade.
How do you expect CarPlay will benefit from Siri’s new iOS 27 upgrades? Let us know in the comments.
Best CarPlay and iPhone accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (limited-time $199 price)
- Apple’s new AirTag 2 for tracking your car (1-pack / 4-pack)
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
- 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
- FLYLEAD car charger with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
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