Apple has released iOS 26.4 with two significant additions for CarPlay users. The update introduces an Ambient Music widget that offers curated playlists for activities like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing without requiring an Apple Music subscription. Additionally, CarPlay now supports voice-based conversational apps, allowing third-party chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude to extend their iPhone apps to vehicles.

To access these features, iPhone 11 or newer devices need to update to iOS 26.4 through Settings → General → Software Update. The Ambient Music widget joins CarPlay's widget stack alongside other options, accessible by swiping right to the Dashboard screen. Users can add the widget through Settings → CarPlay → [Your Vehicle] → Widgets → Add Widget.

The chatbot support represents a major expansion for CarPlay, though Apple's own Siri assistant remains available without opening any apps. This development comes as Apple reportedly tests a new Siri app for iOS 27 with chatbot-like functionality and conversation history, potentially bringing similar features to CarPlay later this year.