Grok is set to join ChatGPT and Perplexity on your CarPlay dashboard.

      The race for AI assistants has shifted from mobile screens to a context where hands-free, voice-first interaction is not just beneficial but necessary.

      Apple CarPlay has become a particularly intriguing space for AI chatbot fans. In March, ChatGPT made its debut on the iPhone's CarPlay system, followed by Perplexity in April. Now, Grok is preparing to join the fray (as reported by 9To5Mac).

      The newest update for the Grok iPhone app includes a placeholder interface for CarPlay. Although it is not yet operational, it clearly indicates: "Grok Voice mode coming soon to CarPlay." The developer, xAI, has yet to announce a launch date, but it seems to be on the horizon.

      Why is Grok coming to CarPlay?

      Previously, Grok was only available in Tesla vehicles, where it has been a built-in feature for some time. However, the addition of CarPlay support expands its accessibility to nearly all iPhone users who do not own a Tesla, which currently encompasses the majority of drivers.

      In contrast to ChatGPT and Perplexity, which appeared on CarPlay as a blend of text and voice, Grok is being introduced in Voice mode. This variant is more conversational and real-time, making it ideally suited for driving scenarios where maintaining visual and manual focus on the road is crucial.

      Where does Grok's introduction leave Siri and Gemini?

      Google has not indicated any plans to bring Gemini to CarPlay. Instead, Google's AI will enhance the redesigned Siri, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 and subsequently included in iOS 27 later this year.

      Apple is also developing a standalone Siri app which may be integrated with CarPlay. Thus, while xAI, OpenAI, and Perplexity vie for dashboard space, Google is pursuing a different strategy by collaborating with Apple.

      In my view, CarPlay is evolving into a battleground for AI in 2026. Apple initiated this shift with iOS 26.4, and within just over a month, three major AI assistants are joining the platform. Ultimately, the company that successfully integrates hands-free conversational AI for driving will gain a significant competitive edge.

      For more than five years, Shikhar has been adept at simplifying advancements in consumer technology and sharing them...

      Self-driving cars will face penalties in California as new regulations take effect.

      The ongoing debate about the legal status of driverless cars has officially ended in California, a leading market for autonomous vehicles.

      For years, there was an unspoken double standard: human drivers who violated traffic laws faced consequences, while autonomous vehicles could operate without repercussions, often resulting in a mere notification to the manufacturer. This has now changed. The California DMV has announced groundbreaking regulations for autonomous vehicles, allowing them to be formally cited for traffic law violations for the first time (as reported by Futurism).

      BYD may have addressed one of the biggest challenges of owning an electric vehicle.

      BYD’s innovative charging system aims to reduce EV charging times to mere minutes.

      As electric vehicles become increasingly prevalent, charging has remained a significant pain point. Even when locating a fast charger, the wait can extend a journey by 30 minutes or more, making long-distance travel less convenient compared to refueling a gasoline vehicle. At BYD’s charging station in Beijing, the company is showcasing a system designed to eliminate that downtime. Vehicles are arriving, connecting, and charging rapidly utilizing BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery and fast-charging technology, providing a clearer understanding of how it functions in a real-world setting.

      Your car's Google Assistant is being phased out, and here’s what will take its place.

      There’s a unique kind of frustration that accompanies communicating with a car. You may express yourself clearly, yet the system responds as if it’s hearing you for the first time. “I didn’t understand that.” “Please try again.” Or even worse, it confidently suggests something entirely unrelated. For years, in-car voice assistants have existed in this uncomfortable space – just functional enough to keep you engaged.

      That might be changing. Google is transitioning to Gemini for cars equipped with Google built-in, gradually replacing Google Assistant with a system tailored to comprehend natural, everyday language. The difference you noticed on your phone is likely to be even more significant in a vehicle, where you need seamless functionality.