iOS 26.4 brings significant updates to CarPlay, including support for AI voice assistant apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Apple has opened CarPlay to a new category of 'voice-based conversational apps,' allowing drivers to interact with third-party AI assistants while on the road. This marks a major expansion of what CarPlay apps can do, giving users more options than ever before.

Apple requires these AI apps to center around voice interactions and prohibits text or imagery to minimize driver distractions. Users cannot replace Siri as their default assistant, at least for now. The update also adds an Ambient Music widget that lets drivers start mood playlists for Chill, Productivity, Sleep, or Wellbeing—similar to the iPhone Home Screen feature.

Video support for CarPlay was announced at WWDC last year and was initially expected in iOS 26.0, but it didn't materialize. The iOS 26.4 beta revealed evidence of this feature, with developer Thomas Dye demonstrating the interface. However, it wasn't included in the final release, suggesting automakers need more time for formal approval before rollout.