It sounds like Apple will continue a positive CarPlay trend around iOS 27

Source: 9to5Mac

When Apple previewed “next‑generation CarPlay” in 2022, it felt like development of the driver‑facing CarPlay version had stalled. Eventually, next‑gen CarPlay became CarPlay Ultra, and CarPlay for non‑Aston Martin drivers began receiving new improvements again. Now it sounds like that trend will continue either before or as part of iOS 27.

Recent CarPlay upgrades

CarPlay in iOS 26 borrows ideas from CarPlay Ultra like widgets and theming, but without requiring a cockpit of displays—just one screen will do.

• Widgets let you display the weather and other information that doesn’t require a dedicated CarPlay app.
• Theming is more limited than on the iPhone Home Screen, but icon appearance options can make icons feel more at home in your car.

The current version also adds better handling of AirPods audio routing, modern features for apps like Messages, and much more.

AI chatbots in the car

Looking ahead, Apple has an even bigger CarPlay feature planned. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple intends to allow voice‑based chatbots to work with CarPlay.

This will let drivers use their preferred AI, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, in the car. Siri is also expected to become more capable in iOS 26.4, which may improve the CarPlay experience, but being able to safely use third‑party chatbot apps with voice in the car is a valuable addition.

Bringing AI chat to CarPlay, separate from Siri’s development, continues the positive trend that started with iOS 26. Apple can keep improving CarPlay without taking over every screen in the vehicle.

Hopefully we see AI chatbots added as a supported CarPlay app category during the iOS 26 cycle so drivers don’t have to wait for iOS 27 in September. In the meantime, widgets offer a great workaround. Either way, it’s encouraging to see Apple adapting CarPlay to current needs in the car.

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