In a move many Apple fans and Tesla owners thought might never happen, Tesla is reportedly developing support for Apple CarPlay. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the electric vehicle maker has already started testing the capability internally.
For years, the lack of CarPlay has been one of the biggest complaints from Tesla drivers. It’s a “stunning reversal” for CEO Elon Musk, especially after many customers have pestered Tesla for as long as Tesla models become mainstream. Musk has famously criticized Apple, particularly over its App Store policies, and was angered by Apple’s attempts to poach Tesla engineers for its own “Project Titan” car initiative, which has since been canceled.
Apple bowed out of the EV race earlier in 2024, meaning Tesla no longer views it as a direct car competitor. Furthermore, with Tesla sales declining, the company may be listening to potential buyers. A 2024 study from McKinsey & Co. noted that for about a third of buyers, the lack of CarPlay or an Android equivalent would be a “deal-breaker” for them.
Tesla reportedly plans to feature CarPlay within a window inside its broader infotainment interface. This means the Apple software won’t completely take over the screen as it does in many other cars. It also means drivers will likely still need to rely on Tesla’s own navigation app to use features like Full Self-Driving (FSD).
Tesla plans to use the standard version of CarPlay as opposed to the newer, more advanced “Ultra” iteration that can utilize the vehicle’s features, such as climate and seats. The company plans to support the wireless version for a more convenient setup and pairing.
While this is a huge win for iPhone users, Android users are still out of luck. The report states that Tesla is not actively developing support for Google’s Android Auto. This move is a major victory for Apple, embedding its ecosystem into the leading US EV maker, especially as rivals like General Motors have begun removing CarPlay from their new vehicles.
While Gurman’s sources suggest Tesla is discussing a rollout in the coming months, a final plan isn’t set in stone.
What do you think of this news? Is the lack of CarPlay what’s been holding you back from a Tesla? Let us know in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
