WhatsApp is working on a native CarPlay app for iPhone users, to make messaging and calling more accessible while driving, according to reports. The feature is currently being tested with iOS beta users and brings a proper app interface to CarPlay.
With the feature, users will be able to view recent chats, choose contacts, and initiate messages or calls directly from their car’s display, rather than having to rely on Siri. The update is expected to offer a more structured and controlled experience, while limiting chat access to ensure safety.
Apple CarPlay is a technology that allows drivers to connect their iPhones to their car’s infotainment system. It works by connecting the device to the car through a USB cable or over Bluetooth, and aims to provide a safe and seamless way to use a device while driving.
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WhatsApp is reportedly introducing early support for a native CarPlay app. This is likely to include light and dark modes and focuses on essential messaging and calling features to avoid distracting drivers. As of now, WhatsApp on CarPlay completely relies on Siri–users can listen to incoming messages and reply using voice commands, but not access chats or browse conversations.
One of the most notable new additions is a chat list screen. The screen reportedly shows recent conversations from the past few weeks, helping users quickly identify contacts they’ve interacted with. The list typically covers interactions from the past 20 to 25 days. However, users cannot open full conversations to read chat history, due to safety considerations.
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This comes shortly after the latest version of iOS was released with updated CarPlay offerings. This includes access to AI voice assistant apps. iOS 26.4 unlocked support for “‘voice-based conversational apps.” So, once ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude apps update for CarPlay, users will be able to interact with those assistants while driving. In order to ensure safety, AI apps must launch directly into voice mode, and they’ll be unable to show text or imagery so as to minimize distractions. Users will also be unable to replace Siri as your default AI assistant, at least for now.
CarPlay for iOS 26.4 also introduces Ambient Music as a new widget to choose. The Ambient Music widget lets users kick off a mood playlist for Chill, Productivity, Sleep, or Wellbeing.
According to reports, last year at WWDC, Apple said that iOS 26 would add support for a long-requested CarPlay feature — video. Video in the car was expected to ship in iOS 26.0, but it never arrived. iOS 26.4 beta cycle finally revealed that the new feature is coming very soon.