The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Apple CarPlay to Support ChatGPT and Other AI Chatbots

Apple is reportedly developing support for third-party AI chatbots in CarPlay, potentially bringing ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Claude into your vehicle's dashboard.

According to report, the move would allow drivers to interact with their preferred AI assistant through CarPlay's interface, which currently relies exclusively on Siri for voice control. CarPlay mirrors select iPhone apps onto a vehicle's infotainment system, letting drivers access music, navigation, and messaging hands-free.

The development raises interesting questions about Apple's strategy. The company has traditionally kept tight control over its ecosystem, but opening CarPlay to competing AI assistants suggests a pragmatic approach to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. It also acknowledges what many users already know, Siri hasn't kept pace with newer AI chatbots in terms of capabilities.

Apple's next-generation CarPlay Ultra already extends beyond the entertainment screen to include the digital dashboard and certain vehicle controls. Adding powerful AI assistants could transform how drivers interact with their cars, from asking complex questions to controlling vehicle settings through natural conversation.

By welcoming ChatGPT and others into one of its key interfaces, the company may be relegating Siri to the back seat in its own product. But with AI capabilities becoming a key differentiator for consumers, staying competitive may require exactly this kind of openness.

No timeline has been announced for when the feature might launch.