Starting with iOS 26.4, Apple supports using AI chatbot apps on iPhone via CarPlay.
ChatGPT was the first AI app to arrive shortly after the release of iOS 26.4. Now a second AI chatbot has added support: Perplexity.
CarPlay requires voice mode for perplexity
Similar to ChatGPT for CarPlay, Perplexity’s CarPlay app is designed around voice chat.
However, unlike ChatGPT, Perplexity usually requires a Pro subscription ($20/month) to do much with voice chat.
for that reason, Perplexity’s CarPlay app This will really only be useful for paid subscribers right now.
Otherwise, the CarPlay app will simply tell you that your voice mode limit has been reached.
Still, it’s great to see Perplexity quickly embrace CarPlay support following the release of iOS 26.4.
We’re still waiting to see CarPlay support for other AI chatbot apps like Anthropic’s Cloud and Google’s Gemini. xAI’s Grok also currently lacks CarPlay support.
Also for consumers, Perplexity released its personal computer AI assistant feature for Mac this week. The company also recently brought its AI browser, Comet, from Mac to iPhone and iPad.
Voice-based interactive apps
Apple only allows specific app categories to work with CarPlay.
This is because CarPlay is designed to make it safer to use iPhone apps while driving.
The category that AI chatbot apps fall into are voice-based conversation apps.
Strictly speaking, these do not have to be AI chatbots.
For example, my favorite sports outlet neworleans.football One interactive carplay app Based on a mock NFL draft for the New Orleans Saints football team.
This is a very unique example, but it works. Between that and the official New Orleans Saints app, my favorite NFL team might have the best representation on CarPlay.
Have you tried ChatGPT, Perplexity, or any other voice-based conversation app with CarPlay yet? What apps would you like to see join CarPlay next?
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