Jakarta, INTI - Apple is reportedly working on adding AI chatbot integration to its CarPlay system, allowing drivers to interact directly with their preferred virtual assistants while on the road.
According to a TechCrunch report published on Friday, February 6, 2026, the feature is expected to arrive as part of a future update to CarPlay Ultra.
CarPlay is an Iphone-based platform that connects wirelessly to a vehicle’s infotainment system, bringing essential apps such as navigation, messaging, and music to the car’s display, all controlled primarily through Siri.
CarPlay Ultra Becomes More Advanced and Deeply Integrated
The latest version, CarPlay Ultra, launched in 2025, introduced deeper vehicle integration, extending across digital instrument clusters, main infotainment screens, and core vehicle controls including climate settings and seat heating.
Users can also access Iphone widgets directly within the car interface, creating a more personalized, intuitive, and seamless driving experience.
Apple has further customized CarPlay Ultra’s interface to align with specific automaker designs, including brands like Aston Martin, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
AI Chatbot Support Could Transform In-Car Interaction
With potential support for chatbots such as Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Apple is opening the door for drivers to choose virtual assistants beyond Siri.
This move is widely seen as a major innovation that could reshape how users engage with in-car entertainment and navigation systems.
Beyond expanding CarPlay’s capabilities, AI chatbot integration reflects Apple’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in automotive technology.
In addition to improving convenience, the feature underscores Apple’s ambition to deliver smarter, more interactive, and flexible AI-powered vehicle systems.
Conclusion
The planned integration of AI chatbots into CarPlay Ultra marks a significant step in Apple’s evolution of in-car technology. By opening its ecosystem to advanced virtual assistants beyond Siri, Apple is positioning CarPlay as a more flexible, intelligent, and personalized driving platform. This move not only enhances user experience but also strengthens Apple’s role in shaping the future of AI-powered automotive systems.
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