Apple CarPlay to Support ChatGPT and Gemini, Ending Siri’s Monopoly

Apple is preparing for a major shift in its in-car software strategy, as CarPlay is expected to support third-party AI voice chatbots, effectively ending Siri’s long-standing exclusivity within the vehicle interface. The development marks one of the most significant changes to Apple’s automotive ecosystem since CarPlay’s launch.

The move, first reported by Bloomberg, signals Apple’s growing willingness to open its platforms amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence and rising user expectations.

What’s Changing in Apple CarPlay?

Since its introduction, CarPlay has limited voice-based interactions strictly to Siri, Apple’s proprietary digital assistant. Under the upcoming update, however, drivers will soon be able to interact with rival AI services from companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic directly through CarPlay.

Third-Party AI Assistants Coming to CarPlay

The new functionality will allow access to advanced AI models including:

• ChatGPT

• Claude

• Gemini

These AI systems can handle more sophisticated and contextual voice requests compared to Siri’s current capabilities.

What Will Drivers Be Able to Do?

With third-party AI chatbots enabled, CarPlay users will be able to perform complex, conversational tasks using voice commands, such as:

• Asking for detailed restaurant recommendations

• Summarising long emails or messages

• Planning travel itineraries and schedules

• Getting contextual answers while remaining focused on driving

The goal, according to industry observers, is to enhance usability without increasing driver distraction.

Why Apple Is Making This Move

Growing User Demand

Industry analysts believe Apple’s decision is largely driven by consumer pressure. Many iPhone users have reportedly been looking for ways to use more capable AI tools in their cars, often resorting to:

• Indirect mobile integrations

• App switching

• Voice workarounds that bypass CarPlay limitations

Allowing third-party AI directly into CarPlay removes friction and aligns Apple with broader AI adoption trends seen across smartphones, productivity tools, and operating systems.

Important Limitations Remain

Despite opening the platform to competitors, Apple is not giving up full control.

What Users Still Can’t Do

• Replace the physical Siri button on the steering wheel

• Change the “Siri” wake word to activate another AI assistant

To use third-party AI, drivers will need to manually open the respective app on the CarPlay dashboard.

How Apple Is Preserving Hands-Free Use

To maintain safety and convenience, Apple is reportedly allowing developers to:

• Design their CarPlay apps so that “voice mode” activates automatically when the app is opened

This ensures drivers can still interact hands-free, even without Siri being the primary gateway.

Impact on Automakers and In-Car Voice Systems

Pressure on Car Manufacturers

The shift could have major implications for traditional automakers, many of whom have invested heavily in developing proprietary in-car voice assistants.

With powerful AI ecosystems already embedded in smartphones, drivers may increasingly:

• Ignore built-in vehicle assistants

• Prefer familiar AI tools they already use daily

This raises questions about the long-term relevance of automaker-developed voice software.

Rollout Timeline and Apple’s Response

The expanded CarPlay AI functionality is expected to arrive:

• Within the coming months

• As part of an upcoming iOS update

So far, Apple has declined to comment officially on the reports, a typical approach ahead of major platform announcements.

Why This Matters for Apple’s AI Strategy

Opening CarPlay to external AI models reflects Apple’s broader challenge in the AI era:

• Siri has lagged behind newer generative AI systems in flexibility and depth

• Users increasingly expect natural, multi-step conversations across all devices

Rather than fully rebuilding Siri overnight, Apple appears to be coexisting with best-in-class AI tools, at least in the car environment.

Conclusion

Apple’s decision to allow third-party AI voice chatbots in CarPlay marks a pivotal shift in its ecosystem philosophy. While Siri remains central to the interface, the end of its exclusivity acknowledges a reality Apple can no longer ignore: users want smarter, more capable AI wherever they are—including behind the wheel.

By carefully opening CarPlay while retaining key controls, Apple is striking a balance between platform openness, safety, and brand identity. As generative AI continues to reshape user expectations, this move could redefine how drivers interact with their vehicles—and how much influence Apple retains over the future of in-car intelligence.