iPhone users can now join Google Meet calls directly from their car dashboard through Apple CarPlay, though with audio-only restrictions designed for driver safety.
The feature rolled out starting March 23 according to Google's Workspace blog, automatically enabled for users with the latest Google Meet app installed on their iPhone. When connected to a CarPlay-compatible vehicle, meetings appear on the infotainment display with controls for muting and leaving calls.
Video mode remains disabled by default during driving sessions, along with interactive features like chat windows, hand raising tools, polls, and presentation viewing. Meeting hosts cannot accept or reject participants from the car interface either.
Users can only join scheduled meetings rather than create new ones from their dashboard.
Google prioritized Apple's platform over its own Android Auto system, which will receive Meet support "soon" according to company statements. This places Google behind competitors like Microsoft Teams and Zoom that gained CarPlay compatibility in September 2021 and September 2023 respectively.
The audio-only approach transfers meeting sound from phones or earbuds directly to car speakers while maintaining microphone access for participation. Users needing video capabilities must pull over and switch to their phone app instead of using the CarPlay interface.
A gradual rollout continues through early April following the March 23 start date, with full availability expected within 15 days for all users with updated apps.
