Apple May Let ChatGPT Into CarPlay—Is Siri Getting Demoted?

Your next road trip conversation might not be with Siri. Apple is reportedly exploring ways to integrate AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude into CarPlay, according to a February 6Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources.

This would mark a significant shift for the tech giant, potentially sidelining its own voice assistant in favor of more capable AI competitors.

What This Means for Your Daily Drive

Apple CarPlay currently connects your iPhone to your car's infotainment system, letting you access music, messages, and navigation through Siri voice commands. The proposed change would allow drivers to interact with more sophisticated AI assistants that can handle complex conversations, provide detailed explanations, and offer nuanced responses.

The upcoming CarPlay Ultra makes this even more intriguing. It's designed to control not just the central touchscreen but also the digital dashboard in front of the driver, giving AI chatbots unprecedented access to vehicle information and controls.

Imagine asking your car's AI to "explain this traffic pattern based on current events" or "help me practice my presentation while I drive." These aren't tasks Siri handles particularly well, but they're exactly where ChatGPT and Claude excel.

Apple's Uncomfortable Truth

This move represents an uncomfortable admission for Apple: Siri isn't competitive with the latest AI assistants. The company has faced mounting criticism over its AI capabilities, particularly after the lukewarm reception of iPhone 16's AI features in 2024.

By potentially allowing third-party AI assistants into one of its key ecosystem products, Apple is choosing user experience over ecosystem control—a rare move for the company that built its empire on seamless integration.

The timing is telling. As Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic race ahead in conversational AI, Apple appears willing to sacrifice some control to avoid being left behind.

The Bigger Picture: Choice vs. Integration

This shift reflects a broader industry tension between closed ecosystems and user choice. Tesla has doubled down on proprietary AI systems, while Google is pushing Android Automotive with deep Assistant integration. Apple's potential pivot suggests even the most control-focused tech companies may need to embrace openness.

For automakers, this creates new challenges. Should they develop their own AI assistants or simply become platforms for existing ones? Ford, GM, and others have invested heavily in proprietary voice systems, but consumer preference for familiar AI assistants might force a rethink.