In a landmark shift for its automotive ecosystem, Apple is reportedly preparing to open its CarPlay platform to third-party AI chatbots, effectively ending Siri's decade-long exclusive reign as the sole voice assistant for iPhone-connected drivers. According to a new report from Bloomberg on February 6, 2026, the tech giant will soon allow rival AI models—including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude—to integrate directly into the CarPlay dashboard.

This strategic update, expected to roll out within the coming months, represents a significant departure from Apple's traditional "walled garden" approach. For the first time, drivers will have the freedom to bypass Siri for complex queries, enabling access to the world's most advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) while behind the wheel. As connected car technology evolves in 2026, this move promises to transform the in-car digital experience from simple command-and-control to true conversational intelligence.

How Third-Party AI Will Work on CarPlay

While this update is a major step forward for open integration, Apple is maintaining strict control over the user experience to ensure safety and system integrity. Unlike the native Siri integration, which is deeply woven into the vehicle's hardware controls, third-party chatbots will operate as standalone applications with specific voice-first capabilities.

The User Experience

Drivers will not be able to replace Siri as the default system assistant, nor will they be able to map the steering wheel's voice button or the "Hey Siri" wake word to a competitor. Instead, users will need to manually tap the ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude icon on their CarPlay dashboard to initiate a session.

However, to minimize distraction, Apple is allowing developers to build "auto-launch" functionality. This means that once a driver taps the app icon, the software can immediately enter a voice-listening mode, allowing for hands-free interaction without further screen touches. This hybrid approach balances Apple's safety standards with the consumer demand for more capable AI assistants.

Why Apple is Finally Opening the Gates

The decision to allow Google Gemini Apple integration and other rivals onto CarPlay is likely driven by a combination of competitive pressure, regulatory scrutiny, and the current state of Apple's own AI technology.

The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) Factor

European Union regulations continue to reshape how Big Tech operates. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has placed immense pressure on Apple to improve interoperability and allow third-party developers equal access to iOS features. By proactively opening CarPlay to alternative voice assistants, Apple may be aiming to satisfy regulators who have long scrutinized the company's preferential treatment of its own services.

Closing the Intelligence Gap

Despite the rollout of "Apple Intelligence," Siri has faced criticism for lagging behind the reasoning capabilities of GPT-4 and Gemini 1.5. Competitors like Tesla have already begun integrating xAI's Grok into their vehicles, raising the bar for in-car smart assistants. By allowing third-party apps, Apple ensures its CarPlay platform remains competitive and useful, even if users prefer a different AI brain for their queries.

Siri vs. ChatGPT: A Split Ecosystem

This update creates a distinct two-tier system for AI chatbots in cars. Understanding the difference between Siri's role and the new third-party capabilities is crucial for drivers:

  • Siri's Domain (Hardware Control): Siri will remain the only assistant capable of controlling vehicle functions. If you need to adjust the climate control, roll down windows, change the radio station, or send a standard text message via iMessage, Siri is still the only tool for the job.
  • Chatbot Domain (Knowledge & Productivity): Third-party apps will excel at tasks where Siri often struggles. Need to draft a complex email, get a detailed summary of a news topic, plan a multi-stop road trip itinerary based on specific constraints, or ask follow-up questions about a podcast topic? This is where an OpenAI ChatGPT CarPlay app will shine.

Release Date and What to Expect

According to the Bloomberg report, this functionality is currently in development and is expected to launch "within the coming months." This timeline suggests the feature could debut as part of a late-cycle iOS 18 update—potentially iOS 18.4, which is already introducing other CarPlay enhancements like sports apps and improved map options—or as a headline feature for iOS 19 at WWDC in June 2026.

As we move further into 2026, the dashboard is becoming the next major battleground for AI supremacy. For Apple users, the monopoly is ending, but the choice is just beginning. Whether you stick with Siri or opt for the advanced reasoning of Gemini or Claude, your commute is about to get significantly smarter.