According to code information found in the Google Maps application, Google is preparing to support the Gemini artificial intelligence assistant for the Apple CarPlay version of Google Maps. This feature is expected to be available to users soon. The code string shows that after users agree to the updated terms of service in Google Maps on iPhone, they can obtain more detailed navigation guidance and destination-related information through Gemini on CarPlay.
Currently, Google Maps already supports Gemini in the iPhone application, but in the CarPlay environment, Gemini is not yet available. On the iPhone, Google has added the "Ask Maps" function to maps, using Gemini to answer complex real-life questions related to places and destinations. Users can say "Hey Google" or click on the Gemini icon to interact with it in a conversational manner after turning on navigation.
Apple has allowed third-party voice conversation applications to integrate deeper with CarPlay since iOS 26.4, which is considered to be a prerequisite for Google to introduce Gemini into the CarPlay version of Google Maps. Although Gemini has not yet been officially launched in the CarPlay application, its related framework is already included in the application, which means that Gemini functions may be pushed to users with updates after completion of testing.
In terms of in-car voice assistants, services such as ChatGPT, Grok and Perplexity are already available in the CarPlay ecosystem, providing drivers with a variety of AI voice assistant choices. With the addition of Gemini to the lineup, CarPlay users’ intelligent experience in driving navigation and information inquiry is expected to be further improved.