Apple is working on making CarPlay compatible with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, a move that could reshape how drivers interact with software on the road.
Apple’s vision for the car dashboard may be getting more conversational.
According to people familiar with the work, Apple is developing ways to make CarPlay compatible with AI chatbots, including systems similar to ChatGPT. The effort suggests Apple is reassessing how much intelligence—and flexibility—it wants to allow inside the vehicle interface.
If implemented, the change could mark one of the most significant updates to CarPlay’s interaction model since its launch.
Why conversational AI matters in cars
CarPlay was designed around simplicity: navigation, music, calls, and messages, all mediated through Apple’s own voice assistant and a tightly controlled interface.
But generative AI chatbots offer something different. They can handle open-ended queries, summarize information, and respond more fluidly to follow-up questions—capabilities that traditional voice assistants have struggled to deliver consistently.
In a driving context, that could translate into more natural interactions, such as asking for contextual travel advice, summarizing incoming messages, or answering general questions without rigid command structures.
Balancing openness with control
The company has historically favored closed systems, especially in environments with safety implications. Allowing third-party AI chatbots into CarPlay raises questions about distraction, reliability, and liability.
Any implementation is likely to be heavily constrained, with strict rules around what chatbots can display or say while a vehicle is in motion. Apple’s challenge will be integrating more powerful AI without compromising its emphasis on predictable, low-distraction experiences.
The move also reflects competitive pressure. Automakers and tech companies are experimenting with AI-powered dashboards, and expectations for in-car software are rising quickly.
A broader signal about Apple’s AI strategy
CarPlay compatibility with external AI chatbots would also hint at a shift in Apple’s broader AI posture. Rather than relying solely on in-house assistants, Apple may be acknowledging that best-in-class conversational AI is emerging outside its own ecosystem.
That does not necessarily mean surrendering control—but it does suggest a more pragmatic approach, especially in contexts where user expectations are changing rapidly.
The road ahead
There is no public timeline for when—or if—AI chatbot compatibility will reach consumers. Much will depend on safety testing, regulatory considerations, and partnerships.
Still, the direction is clear. As generative AI reshapes interfaces across phones and computers, the car is no longer an exception.
For Apple, the dashboard may be the next place where conversation, not commands, becomes the default.
