Apple to Integrate Third-Party AI in CarPlay

Apple is set to expand its CarPlay infotainment system by allowing voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps from third-party developers, enabling drivers to interact with advanced chatbots directly through their vehicle's interface for the first time. The change, expected to roll out in the coming months, represents a departure from Apple's previous policy of limiting voice assistance to its own Siri software, according to people familiar with the matter.

Under the planned update, companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet's Google could develop CarPlay-compatible versions of their AI tools, including ChatGPT and Gemini. This would permit users to pose complex queries, like restaurant recommendations or general knowledge questions, hands-free while driving. The people, who requested anonymity as the initiative remains unannounced, noted that developers could configure their apps to automatically activate voice mode upon opening, streamlining the process without requiring manual intervention beyond launching the app.

However, Apple will maintain safeguards to preserve Siri's central role. Third-party apps will not be able to override the Siri activation button or use...