Overview
- Apple’s updated CarPlay Developer Guide for iOS 26.4 adds a new category for “voice-based conversational apps.”
- The change enables services such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to run on CarPlay once their iPhone apps add the required support.
- Siri remains the system assistant, with third-party bots lacking a wake word, no control over vehicle or iPhone functions, and access only via dedicated app launch.
- Apple imposes safety-focused rules that require voice-first interaction, minimal visuals, prompt audio-session release, approved templates, and a three-screen UI depth limit.
- Developers must request a specific CarPlay entitlement that Apple reviews, and broader availability is expected after the public iOS 26.4 release this spring.