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SpaceXAI has released Grok Voice mode for Apple CarPlay, allowing CarPlay users to ask the chatbot questions and make requests directly from their vehicle dashboard, handsfree. Previously, Grok for iPhone displayed a placeholder app in CarPlay saying the handsfree support would be coming soon. Grok comes built-in on Tesla vehicles, but now almost any other car can access it. Apple started permitting third-party voice-driven conversational apps to integrate with CarPlay in iOS 26.4, but developers must add support for the feature and obtain a special entitlement from Apple. Apple requires apps to use its voice control template for CarPlay. Whenever voice-based services are active, apps must display the voice control interface and can include up to four action buttons. However, Apple says chatbot apps should not show text or imagery in response to queries. Grok Voice mode joins ChatGPT and Perplexity, which arrived on CarPlay in March and April, respectively. Your commute just got smarter Talk to me hands free — now on Apple CarPlay pic.twitter.com/ZuMzC9D9jH — Grok (@grok) May 7, 2026 CarPlay has supported third-party apps for years, but Apple restricts the types of apps permitted on the platform to reduce driver distractions. Apple maintains a list of approved app categories, including audio, communication, EV charging, and navigation apps. Related Roundup: CarPlay Tag: Grok Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Grok AI Voice Mode Arrives on Apple CarPlay " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Apple and Meta have opposed a Canadian bill that the companies say could force them to create backdoor access to encrypted user data, should it pass through the country's parliament. Proposed by Canada's ruling Liberal Party, Bill C-22 contains provisions that could be similar to a UK data access provision order sent to Apple last year, depending on how they are implemented. Back in February 2025 , the British government demanded that Apple give it blanket access to all encrypted user content uploaded to the cloud. Apple refused, and instead pulled its Advanced Data Protection iCloud feature from the United Kingdom. U.S. officials later said Britain had dropped the request after the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, raised concerns that it could violate a cloud data treaty and tap into US citizens' data. Apple now finds itself in a similar standoff across the Atlantic. Canadian law enforcement officials say Bill C-22 would help them investigate security threats earlier and act more quickly. But Apple has pushed back against the proposed legislation. The company provided Reuters with the following statement: "At a time of rising and pervasive threats from malicious actors seeking access to user information, Bill C-22, as drafted, would undermine our ability to offer the powerful privacy and security features users expect from Apple. This legislation could allow the Canadian government to force companies to break encryption by inserting backdoors into their products – something Apple will never do." Meta also argued that the bill contained "sweeping powers, minimal oversight, and lack of clear safeguards" that could end up making Canadians less safe, rather than more. Apple CEO Tim Cook has consistently insisted that providing back-door access past its encryption for authorities would open the door for "bad guys" to gain access to its users' data. Cyber security experts agree that it would only be a matter of time before bad actors discover such a point of entry. Apple's stance was enhanced in 2016 when it successfully fought a US order to unlock the iPhone of a shooter in San Bernardino, California. The Canadian bill is currently being debated in the House of Commons. Tags: Apple Privacy , Apple Security , Canada , Encryption This article, " Apple Warns Canada's Bill C-22 Could Force Encryption Backdoors " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Most of the conversation around iOS 26 got lost behind social media's need for it to be as controversial a change as iOS 7. The bigger story is the lack of a revitalized Apple Intelligence. iOS 26 review: Liquid Glass all the way down My iOS 26 review is going to focus on the changes that actually affected our day-to-day use of the iPhone . There are a lot of new features, app updates, and the Liquid Glass material, but the elephant in the room is the ongoing delays in AI. If you're here for me to pile onto the Apple failure bandwagon , this isn't the review for you. In fact, I am still fully of the opinion that Apple's admittedly embarrassingly slow start in artificial intelligence might be one of its biggest victories in tech in decades. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
While Activity Rings are a staple for fitness enthusiasts, there might be times when you need to pause them. Here's how you can do it in watchOS 26. How to pause Activity Rings in watchOS 26 The Activity Rings on the Apple Watch are a great way to keep track of your daily movement, exercise, and standing goals. However, there are situations where keeping them active isn't practical. For instance, maintaining your usual activity level could interfere with the recovery process if you're recovering from an illness or injury. Pausing the rings allows you to prioritize healing without feeling pressured to meet daily goals. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
