Apple's latest CarPlay update now supports third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT and Perplexity, allowing drivers to ask complex questions hands-free while driving. This marks a significant shift from relying solely on Siri for voice commands in the car. A recent hands-on test compared how well ChatGPT and Perplexity handle common driving scenarios, revealing substantial differences in their practical capabilities.

Which AI Assistant Performs Better on CarPlay?

When tested side-by-side for real-world driving tasks, Perplexity AI emerged as the more capable assistant for in-car use. The key difference lies in location access and device integration. ChatGPT cannot view your location or access personal information on your iPhone, which severely limits its usefulness while driving. Perplexity, by contrast, can access your location data and interact with your device's built-in apps, making it substantially more practical for navigation and personalized recommendations.

The performance gap becomes clear when examining specific tasks. For navigation requests, ChatGPT cannot provide driving directions because it lacks location awareness. Perplexity successfully handled navigation queries, pulling up Apple Maps with turn-by-turn directions after requesting location access. Similarly, when asked to recommend local restaurants, ChatGPT could not help, while Perplexity identified nearby options and displayed directions to the user's choice.

What Tasks Can Each AI Handle While You Drive?

Both assistants have notable limitations when it comes to personal device functions. Neither ChatGPT nor Perplexity can place phone calls, send text messages, or send emails due to restrictions on accessing personal information stored on your iPhone. For these communication tasks, Siri remains the better option.

However, Perplexity demonstrates clear advantages in calendar and reminder management. While ChatGPT cannot access your calendar or set reminders, Perplexity can read off your appointments, add new ones, and create reminders on your device. This functionality makes Perplexity particularly useful for busy professionals who need to manage their schedules while driving.

When it comes to music playback, neither assistant performs ideally in the car. Although Perplexity can theoretically play songs from Spotify and Apple Music outside of CarPlay, it fails to execute this function hands-free while driving. Songs may appear in the Spotify app, but manual intervention is required to start playback, defeating the purpose of a voice-controlled experience. For music requests, Siri remains the most practical choice.

Both assistants perform equally well on general knowledge questions. When asked to explain how the American Civil War started, both ChatGPT and Perplexity provided valid, succinct answers that directly addressed the question. This capability makes either assistant useful for settling debates or learning something new during a drive.

How to Set Up ChatGPT or Perplexity on Your CarPlay

• Device Requirements: You need an iPhone running iOS 26.4 or later and a vehicle that supports Apple CarPlay. Check Apple's official CarPlay page to confirm your car model and iPhone compatibility before attempting setup.
• App Installation: Download the latest versions of the ChatGPT app and Perplexity app from the App Store. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, select App Updates, refresh the screen, and download the latest versions if updates are available.
• CarPlay Configuration: Connect your iPhone to your car via wireless or Bluetooth connection. Go to iPhone Settings, select General, tap CarPlay, choose your car, and then tap Apps to see compatible applications. Drag ChatGPT and Perplexity higher in the list to access them from your main CarPlay screen.
• Subscription Consideration: ChatGPT works with any account type, including free accounts. Perplexity requires a Pro subscription, which normally costs $20 per month, though promotional offers occasionally provide free access periods.

Once configured, using either assistant is straightforward. For ChatGPT, tap the icon on your CarPlay screen and select "New voice chat." Wait for the connection status to change from "Connecting" to "Listening," then ask your question. For Perplexity, tap the icon and select "Connect," then begin speaking when prompted to "ask anything".

The practical takeaway is clear: if you want an AI assistant that can handle location-based requests, calendar management, and reminders while driving, Perplexity offers significantly more functionality. ChatGPT works well for general knowledge questions but lacks the device integration needed for most driving-related tasks. For drivers seeking a true upgrade from Siri's capabilities, Perplexity's location awareness and calendar access make it the more compelling choice, despite its subscription requirement.