Last week, Apple released iOS 26.4, and this version enabled voice-based artificial intelligence applications to be compatible with CarPlay for the first time.

A few days later, OpenAI updated the ChatGPT application for iPhone, taking advantage of this change. ChatGPT is now fully accessible through a dedicated CarPlay application.

ChatGPT application for CarPlay is now available

As we previously explained, Apple restricts the categories of applications allowed on CarPlay. This is done for security reasons and due to the design limitations of Apple's CarPlay framework. Unlike iPhone applications, CarPlay applications must be built around templates provided by Apple within the CarPlay framework.

With iOS 26.4, Apple updated the list of supported applications to include "voice-based speech applications."

The CarPlay version of ChatGPT focuses entirely on voice interaction and does not display text. You can use it by speaking, just like in the voice mode of the ChatGPT application on iPhone. There is an "End" button in the top left corner and a mute/unmute button in the top right corner.

Aside from these two buttons, the only available interaction method is through voice.

This complies with Apple's guidelines, which state that voice-based speech applications on CarPlay should be "optimized for voice interaction in a driving environment" and should not display text or visuals in their responses.

Apple states, "Voice-based speech applications should carry the primary mode of audio when launched; after being launched, they should respond appropriately to questions or requests and perform actions."

ChatGPT is the first major artificial intelligence application to offer a dedicated CarPlay application. Today, you can update to the latest ChatGPT application from the App Store. To use the new ChatGPT application via CarPlay, you need to be running iOS 26.4 on your iPhone.

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