Apple CarPlay in iOS 26.4: AirPlay video, ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini support
At WWDC 2025, Apple announced its plans to allow Apple CarPlay users to stream videos via AirPlay in their vehicles while not driving. The first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests that the feature could be available soon. Furthermore, iOS 26.4 is expected to implement CarPlay support for ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
Apple CarPlay in iOS 26.4 with AirPlay video
Several new references to the Apple CarPlay video streaming function have been found in the source code of the iOS 26.4 beta. This feature is not yet visible to users, but the software developer Thomas Dye managed to use it in the CarPlay simulator from Xcode on his Mac to at least partially get it working. He recently presented this in a YouTube video.
On an iPhone connected via Apple CarPlay, videos from any AirPlay-enabled app can be played back on the car’s display. The Dynamic Island features a button that allows you to play the video on an iPhone screen instead,
The demo also shows that an Apple TV app will be available on CarPlay, allowing access to shows and movies from the Apple TV streaming service and your own media library. There’s also a tab for the MLS Season Pass. However, it is not yet entirely clear whether the Apple TV app will actually offer this full range of functions in the final version of CarPlay.
The simulator offers a first, albeit somewhat unfinished, glimpse into Apple CarPlay’s video streaming functionality. The feature is expected to be available with the release of iOS 26.4 in late March or early April. However, it’s possible that it won’t be introduced until iOS 26.5 or later if Apple needs more time to complete development.
Apple’s website notes that car manufacturers need to implement support for the CarPlay video function, as the vehicle must be parked for safety reasons. Therefore, it may take some time before the function is widely available.
iOS 26.4 offers Apple CarPlay support for ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini
With iOS 26.4, Apple CarPlay users will be able to use third-party chatbots via CarPlay. AI services like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT will thus be accessible through the CarPlay system for the first time. The Apple CarPlay Developer Guide lists voice-based dialogue apps as a supported app type starting with iOS 26.4. Apple is implementing a new voice control screen that allows apps to provide visual feedback for voice-based dialogue apps.
AI apps that integrate CarPlay must support voice control while voice-based services are active. Voice-based dialogue apps require a special license, and companies developing chatbots must update their apps to support CarPlay.
CarPlay has long supported third-party apps, but Apple restricts the available apps to prevent distractions in the vehicle. Companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google have so far been unable to develop CarPlay apps, limiting CarPlay users to Siri voice control while in the car.
The new integration allows users to access voice-based apps like ChatGPT to ask questions hands-free. However, the apps cannot control vehicle or iPhone functions. There will also be no wake word option for third-party apps; users will still need to open the app to use the chatbot. Once an app is launched, the customizable voice control screen provides a vehicle-optimized chatbot experience.
iOS 26.4 is currently in the beta phase and is expected to be released in the spring.
