CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb 8, 2026, 05:26 PST
- Bloomberg reports that Apple is gearing up to allow third-party voice-controlled AI chatbots to operate within CarPlay.
- Siri remains the default trigger, while users would launch chatbot apps to interact.
- Voice chatbots might soon appear in dashboards thanks to companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
Apple is set to open up CarPlay to voice-controlled AI chatbot apps from third-party developers, Bloomberg News revealed Friday. This move would end Siri’s exclusive role as the lone built-in voice assistant. Apple has not responded to the report. (Reuters)
The shift comes as car dashboards become a fresh front for AI assistants, with drivers seeking voice interactions that go beyond the typical “play music, send a text” commands. CarPlay is crucial here since it bridges the iPhone and the car’s infotainment system — the display and software handling navigation, media, and messaging — giving Apple a way to keep users locked into its ecosystem.
Bloomberg reports Apple plans to let users access third-party AI chatbots via CarPlay’s interface for the first time, with support rolling out in the next few months. These voice-controlled chatbots respond in natural, conversational sentences instead of just executing simple commands. (Bloomberg)
Apple is sticking to a strict grip on the essentials. According to The Verge, which cites Bloomberg, users won’t get to swap out the Siri button or change the “wake word” — the phrase that activates the assistant. That means drivers will need to open a chatbot app manually, even if the app can immediately switch to voice mode after launching. (The Verge)
The companies poised to gain are those already leading the voice-first AI charge: OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, and Google’s Gemini all feature in the report. For these players, a CarPlay version represents a fresh gateway — one placed right in front of the driver’s wheel.
The competitive landscape is clear. Google’s Android Auto has relied heavily on Google’s voice assistant for years, while Amazon’s Alexa has found its way into vehicles through select automakers and suppliers. Apple’s strategy, sticking with Siri as the fixed wake word, feels more like a cautious rollout than a wide-open invitation.
Apple is ramping up in-car tech with CarPlay Ultra, its new system that goes beyond the central display to integrate directly with the instrument cluster. “iPhone users love CarPlay, and it has transformed how people connect with their vehicles,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, during the announcement of CarPlay Ultra’s 2025 rollout. (Apple)
Apple has begun relying on external AI models in areas where it’s been under pressure to keep pace. In January, Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership centered on Google’s Gemini models and cloud infrastructure. This collaboration aims to boost future Apple Intelligence features, with a “more personalized Siri coming this year,” according to a joint statement from Google. (Blog)
Risks and unknowns remain. Forcing users to launch a chatbot app first might slow adoption, and automakers could push back on letting multiple AI agents interact with drivers via a single interface. Safety and distraction worries also loom over any new in-car voice feature, especially if replies become longer and more conversational.
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed CarPlay chatbot support, with Bloomberg’s info coming from sources close to the company. If the feature does launch, it could come with restrictions that keep Siri in the driver’s seat, letting other chatbots tag along but not take over.
