CarPlay has improved a lot over the past year with iOS 26 and later updates, which include two new features that I’ve been loving lately.
#1: AI chatbot apps
It’s not often that CarPlay gets a whole new category of apps, but that’s exactly what happened in iOS 26.4.
As of the latest iPhone update, CarPlay allows you to use it now “Voice-based conversational programs” (AI chatbots).
Until now ChatGPT, Confusionand Grok running all CarPlay versions and I expect Claude and Gemini to follow soon.
I like using in-car AI apps because they allow me to do searches and ask general questions, while keeping my eyes and hands on driving.
These AI apps only support voice interaction, making them safer than using an iPhone. And what they offer is an interesting insight iOS 27 must be enabled for Siri.
Widgets a the new CarPlay feature Launched in iOS 26. But two more recent updates have made the feature even better.
Apple on iOS 26.2 expanded the number of widgets available on screen for selected vehicles.
I was one of the lucky ones. My car went from offering two widgets at once to now, after the update, displaying three at once.
And after the release of iOS 26.4, Apple Sports added its own CarPlay widget for watching sports. It was perfect timing for me with the newly added widget slot.
I would love a dedicated CarPlay app for Apple Sports, but having a widget is the next best thing. Whenever I want to watch a game or check my teams’ schedules, I can do it right inside CarPlay and leave my iPhone untouched.
What are your favorite CarPlay features? Let us know in the comments.
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