Apple is moving to let voice-enabled artificial intelligence applications from other companies run through its CarPlay platform, according to a report citing people familiar with the plans. The change would mark the first time drivers could query AI chatbots from third parties via CarPlay's in-vehicle interface.
Under the reported plan, developers from AI companies and providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet's Google could create CarPlay-compatible versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode. That would enable users to interact with external chatbots using the CarPlay display and audio system rather than relying solely on Apple's in-house assistant.
Despite the broadened access, Apple is not expected to allow third-party apps to replace the dedicated Siri button on CarPlay or to change the wake word used to summon Apple's assistant. Instead, drivers would need to launch a specific third-party app to activate its voice-control features, the report said. In short, Siri will remain the default, and third-party voice assistants will operate within their own app sessions.
The iPhone maker is reportedly working to add support for these apps in CarPlay within the coming month. That timeline would give developers an opportunity to design their CarPlay apps so that they automatically enter voice mode when opened, making it easier for users to initiate spoken interactions without additional steps.
Apple declined to comment on the report. The information in the report identifies specific AI providers who could take advantage of the change, but it also outlines limits on how deeply third-party assistants will integrate with existing CarPlay controls and activation methods.
This adjustment to CarPlay's voice ecosystem would extend the range of interactions available to drivers through the vehicle interface while preserving Apple's control over core activation mechanics. The details indicate a controlled opening that permits third-party functionality but keeps Siri as the persistent, built-in voice option.