iOS 26.4 gave CarPlay two new features, with another big one coming
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- iOS 26.4 introduces support for AI voice assistant apps in CarPlay, allowing third-party conversational AI like ChatGPT and Perplexity to operate via voice while driving, though these apps must focus on voice interactions without displaying text or images to ensure safety.
- A new Ambient Music widget is added to CarPlay in iOS 26.4, enabling users to start mood playlists such as Chill, Productivity, Sleep, or Wellbeing directly from the CarPlay interface, expanding the widget options introduced in iOS 26.
- Apple is preparing to launch video support in CarPlay, a highly anticipated feature announced at WWDC last year, with evidence of its development appearing in the iOS 26.4 beta; however, the feature is not yet available in the public release and will require automaker approval before widespread rollout.
- Despite these updates, Siri remains the default AI assistant on CarPlay, as Apple has not yet allowed third-party AI apps to replace it, maintaining control over the primary voice interface for safety and consistency.
