Ever found yourself on the road, needing quick information or engaging conversation, only for your car’s voice assistant to stumble beyond basic commands? While Siri in Apple CarPlay handles music and navigation well, it often falls short on more complex, AI-driven queries. At ZDNET, we rigorously test products to bring you independent, thoroughly researched recommendations, and we’re excited to see Apple CarPlay now supporting third-party AI voice assistants.
Beyond Siri: Introducing Your New AI Co-Pilots
This new CarPlay integration brings powerful AI apps like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI directly to your dashboard, allowing for hands-free, in-depth conversations while you drive. You can ask intricate questions, make nuanced requests, and engage in genuine back-and-forth discussions. It truly transforms your car into a mobile hub for information and entertainment.
Currently, both ChatGPT and Perplexity AI are leading this charge. ChatGPT’s voice assistant works seamlessly with CarPlay regardless of your account type, offering broad accessibility. However, to unlock Perplexity AI’s full in-car potential, you’ll need the Perplexity Pro version, which typically costs $20 monthly.
Essential Setup for CarPlay AI
- You’ll need an iPhone and a CarPlay-compatible vehicle.
- Ensure you have the latest versions of both ChatGPT and Perplexity apps on your iPhone.
- Your iPhone must be running iOS 26.4 or later, which enables this new CarPlay feature.
Once your iPhone connects to CarPlay, look for ChatGPT and Perplexity icons on your dashboard. If they aren’t visible, go to iPhone Settings > General > CarPlay, select your vehicle, then Apps. From there, you can easily arrange these AI companions for quick access on your main screen.
To engage ChatGPT, tap its icon, then “New voice chat,” waiting for “Listening” to appear. For Perplexity AI, tap its icon, then “Connect,” and you’ll be prompted to “ask anything.”
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET’s parent company, filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)
ChatGPT vs. Perplexity AI: The On-Road Showdown
We put both ChatGPT and Perplexity AI to the test across various driving scenarios, comparing their performance in practical tasks and interactive engagement. Our aim was to identify which AI truly enhances the driving experience beyond Siri’s standard capabilities.
- Practical & Location-Based Assistance: Perplexity AI was the clear winner for utility tasks. It successfully provided driving directions and local restaurant recommendations by accessing your iPhone’s location. Importantly, Perplexity uniquely allowed us to access our calendar and set reminders, functionalities ChatGPT lacked. For calls, texts, and seamless music control, Siri remains the superior choice.
- Knowledge, Creativity & Engagement: For intellectual curiosity and entertainment, ChatGPT consistently offered a more dynamic and personalized experience. While both competently answered questions, handled trivia, and assisted with language learning, ChatGPT excelled in storytelling with creative narratives and personality. It proved a more engaging conversationalist, fostering true dialogue over Perplexity’s more literal, informational responses.
Your Co-Pilot Choice: Practicality or Personality?
The best AI for your CarPlay experience largely depends on your priorities. If practical, location-aware assistance and integration with personal organization tools like calendars and reminders are key, Perplexity AI offers a significant advantage.
However, if you seek an intelligent companion for stimulating conversations, creative storytelling, and a more engaging, personalized interaction on your drives, ChatGPT truly shines. Both bring unique strengths, vastly expanding possibilities beyond traditional voice assistants. Why choose just one when you can leverage the best of both?
Source: ZDNet – AI
