iOS 26.4 introduces ChatGPT to your car's infotainment display.

      Apple's iOS 26.4 introduces ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to your car's display, incorporates soothing ambient music widgets, and offers a glimpse into the anticipated future of in-car video for drivers.

      Apple has recently released iOS 26.4, and while your iPhone received several enhancements, CarPlay experienced one of its best updates in years. The new iPhone features introduce two significant capabilities that could transform your CarPlay experience on the vehicle's infotainment screen.

      With iOS 26.4, Apple now supports a new type of app for CarPlay: voice-based conversational applications. AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude can now extend their iPhone functionalities to CarPlay for hands-free voice interactions, pending updates by developers.

      The company has implemented safety measures: AI apps must start in voice mode directly (which is safer than opening the full app while driving). Moreover, they cannot show text or images, keeping the driver's focus on the road.

      Currently, you cannot set an AI like ChatGPT as your default assistant, but having a genuine AI conversation while navigating heavy traffic is now feasible. However, many drivers may not utilize this feature since tasks like playing a certain music track or placing a call can already be managed by Siri.

      The other addition to CarPlay in iOS 26.4 is the Ambient Music widget. Apple has made this widget available for iPhones and is now bringing it to car dashboards. The widget features curated playlists themed around Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

      To add the widget, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Widgets on your iPhone and select the Ambient Music option. While a Sleep playlist on a CarPlay screen might raise some eyebrows, I trust drivers will exercise sound judgment.

      Another upcoming feature—video in CarPlay—seems to be nearing completion. There are indications of this functionality found in the iOS 26.4 beta code, though Apple has not yet confirmed its arrival.

      In other news, Sony Honda Mobility has abandoned plans for the Afeela 1 electric car, marking the end of their collaboration to produce an electric vehicle. The joint venture has announced that the development for Afeela 1 and its subsequent model has been discontinued.

      Additionally, a new AI system aims to assess whether your driving habits indicate a risk of crashing by analyzing factors like eye movement, heart rate, and personality traits, identifying dangerous behaviors early through simulated driving tests.

      Lastly, Android Auto connection issues are creating difficulties for Pixel and Samsung users, leaving them in challenging situations when they need navigation or music. Reports indicate that users are experiencing unexpected failures, particularly with wired connections, disrupting their everyday experience.