Feb 6 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) is preparing to allow voice-controlled artificial intelligence apps from other companies in CarPlay, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people ‌familiar with the matter.

The change represents a strategic shift ​for Apple ( AAPL ), which, until now, has only ‍allowed its own Siri assistant ⁠as a ⁠voice-control option. With this move, users will be able ‌to query AI chatbots ​from other companies through CarPlay's vehicle interface for the first time, according ⁠to the report.

Apple ( AAPL ) ‍declined to ​comment on the report.

AI companies and providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet's ‍Google would be able to release CarPlay versions of their apps that include a voice-control mode, the report added.

However, Apple ( AAPL ) will not let users replace the ​Siri ‍button on CarPlay or the wake word to summon the service. Instead, users ​will need to open the app to activate the third-party voice control, the report said.

The iPhone maker is working to support the apps in CarPlay within the coming month, allowing ​developers to design their apps to automatically launch voice mode upon opening, according to the report.