xAI has launched the “Grok Voice” voice chat mode within Apple’s CarPlay system, allowing users to interact with the “Grok” chatbot directly through the car’s screen using voice commands without having to touch the phone.
The “Grok” application on iPhone phones previously displayed a temporary interface within “CarPlay” indicating that voice support would arrive later, before the company now officially begins rolling out the feature.
Although the smart assistant is already integrated into Tesla cars, the new update expands the scope of its use to include most cars compatible with the “CarPlay” system.
Grok allows drivers to ask questions or perform requests by voice while driving, as part of a growing trend to transform in-car entertainment systems into platforms based on interactive artificial intelligence.
With the iOS 26.4 update, Apple began allowing third-party voice chat applications to integrate into “CarPlay,” after developers add support for the feature and obtain a special permit from the company.
Apple requires applications to use the official voice control interface for the “CarPlay” system, as a custom interface appears while operating voice services, with the ability to add a maximum of four interactive buttons.
The company prevents automated chat applications from displaying texts or images as responses to inquiries within the car screen, in an attempt to reduce driver distraction.
Grok Voice joins other competing tools that have been launched recently, such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini.
Although “CarPlay” has supported external third-party applications for years, Apple continues to restrict the types of applications allowed in the system to reduce distractions while driving, and the approved categories include audio, communications, navigation, and electric car charging applications. (aitnews)
