Apple is preparing to allow voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps from other companies to operate within CarPlay, marking a notable shift in its long-standing approach to in-car software, Bloomberg News reported. Until now, Apple has restricted voice interaction in CarPlay exclusively to its own Siri assistant.
Under the planned change, users would be able to interact with external AI chatbots through CarPlay’s interface for the first time. Developers from companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google would be able to offer CarPlay-compatible versions of their apps that include voice-control features.
Apple is expected to maintain some limits on integration. Users will not be able to replace the Siri button or change the wake word used to summon Apple’s assistant. Instead, third-party voice assistants would activate only after users manually open the relevant app, according to the report. Apple is said to be working toward enabling support within the coming month, allowing apps to automatically launch voice mode when opened.
The move reflects Apple’s growing recognition of demand for advanced conversational AI, while still maintaining tight control over the core CarPlay experience.
