(Picture=Google)
Google has launched its voice conversation AI, 'Gemini Live,' on Apple's CarPlay platform. By providing it as a separate app beyond the existing Google Maps integration, it now competes with major AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Claude in the automotive voice AI market.
Google announced on its official blog on the 11th (local time) that it has started supporting the use of the Gemini app on CarPlay. Following the introduction of Gemini-based voice features on Google Maps last month, it now offers the ability for free voice conversations and integration with Gmail and Calendar.
This feature allows Gemini Live to be integrated with CarPlay, enabling drivers to continue conversations while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. During a conversation, users can ask new questions or change the subject, and they can pause the conversation when they need to focus on driving and resume it later.
By connecting with workspace apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar, drivers can get summaries of unread emails or check their schedules, and even compose voice replies. It can also be used to receive recommendations for restaurants and attractions near the route, practice presentations, or study complex topics.
Conversations held on CarPlay are automatically synchronized with the Gemini app on your iPhone. You can check your notes, summaries, and ideas from the conversation history in the app even after getting out of the vehicle.
Talk it through with Gemini now on Apple CarPlay.
Just tap the Gemini app icon on your CarPlay screen or side rail to easily pick up a conversation from your phone, explore a topic you're curious about, or brainstorm out loud with Gemini Live.
— Google Gemini (@GeminiApp) November 11, 2026
The new feature will be rolled out sequentially for all languages supported by Gemini Live worldwide. To use it, you need to install the latest Gemini app on your iPhone and allow microphone access. After running Gemini Live once on your phone, you can connect your vehicle and then use it on the CarPlay screen.
Gemini runs as an independent voice app on CarPlay and is not meant to replace Siri, the default voice assistant on iPhones, or directly control vehicle functions.
With this release, the options for voice AI available on CarPlay have expanded. Apple has started supporting external AI chatbots' voice features on CarPlay from iOS 26.4 this year.
Already, companies such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, xAI's Grok, and Perplexity have entered the market, and Google has added its own independent Gemini app. Google has already applied Gemini to Android Auto and Google's built-in vehicles last month.
Park Chan, cpark@aitimes.com
