According to informed sources, Apple is preparing to permit voice-controlled artificial intelligence applications from other companies to operate within its CarPlay system. This move would, for the first time, enable users to pose questions to AI chatbots directly through their car's interface.

The sources indicated that the company is working to support these applications in CarPlay within the coming months.

This change signifies a strategic shift for Apple, which had previously restricted its popular in-car infotainment software to its own Siri assistant as the sole voice control option. By taking this step, AI providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic PBC, and Google will also be able to release versions of their applications that include voice control modes for CarPlay.

This development means drivers could, for example, ask ChatGPT for restaurant recommendations without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Apple users have been requesting this functionality for months, though it is not yet guaranteed that external developers will follow through and utilize the new capability.