iOS 26.4 was released today, and with the update CarPlay adds two new features for users, while also laying the groundwork for another big upgrade soon.
#1: AI voice assistant apps
AI chatbots can do more now than ever, including by voice. But those capabilities have historically been inaccessible when driving.
iOS 26.4 changes that by unlocking support for a new category of apps: ‘voice-based conversational apps.’
CarPlay has always been restricted to only allow certain categories of apps. And in iOS 26.4, Apple has added a new category that will allow AI chatbots to live in CarPlay.
So as soon as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude apps update for CarPlay, you’ll be able to interact with those assistants while driving.
Apple has some requirements to ensure safety on the road. For example, AI apps must launch directly into voice mode, and they’ll be unable to show text or imagery so as to minimize distractions. You also won’t be able to replace Siri as your default AI assistant, at least for now.
But allowing native AI chatbot apps in CarPlay is still a big development for users who regularly interact with third-party AI assistants.
#2: Ambient Music widget
In iOS 26, Apple brought iPhone-style widgets to CarPlay for the first time. They provide glanceable information like weather conditions, your Reminders to-dos, access to HomeKit accessories, and more.
Now in iOS 26.4, there’s one new widget to choose from: Ambient Music.
Open Settings ⇾ General ⇾ CarPlay ⇾ Widgets on your iPhone to get started. There, you can configure one or more of your widget stacks with the new Ambient Music widget.
The Ambient Music widget lets you kick off a mood playlist for Chill, Productivity, Sleep, or Wellbeing. It’s just like what’s now available for your iPhone Home Screen too in iOS 26.4.
Widgets are still very new to CarPlay, so it’s good to see Apple adding more options already.
Coming soon: Video in the car
Last year at WWDC, Apple said that iOS 26 would add support for a long-requested CarPlay feature: video.
Video in the car was expected to ship in iOS 26.0, but it never arrived. Finally though, the iOS 26.4 beta cycle revealed that the new feature is coming very soon.
Top comment by CraiginNYC
Do you know what I need in Apple Maps? 2 things.
The ability to tell Maps in a setting that I don't want to AUTOMATICALLY be redirected to routes that save 5 minutes. When driving in difficult traffic I can't always take my eyes off the road to stop the reroute.
The ability to PAUSE a route on a long trip. When we stop for gas or 'the facilities' Siri just keeps nagging and nagging and nagging about making a U-turn at the next intersection.
Instead I have to cancel the route or just turn the volume off. Often she will get so frustrated she just recalculates a new route. Definitely not what I wanted.
The first iOS 26.4 beta had evidence of CarPlay video support, and developer Thomas Dye was even able to get the interface running and publish a video showing what to expect.
So far though, Apple has not confirmed whether video in the car is in the shipping iOS 26.4 build. As a result, it seems the feature might need a little more development time.
When video in the car does debut, it’s expected to be a slow rollout due to a requirement for automakers to formally approve the feature for its vehicles.
Do you expect to start using AI assistants in CarPlay with iOS 26.4? Let us know in the comments.
Best CarPlay accessories
- AirTag 2 for tracking your car (1-pack / 4-pack)
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
- 10-foot iPhone cable USB-C to USB-A
- FLYLEAD car charger with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
- 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
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