Tesla considers adding Apple CarPlay after all
Tesla resisted the implementation of Apple CarPlay in the infotainment software of its models for years. The main reason for this is Elon Musk’s critical stance towards the tech giant with the Apple logo. The CEO of the electric car manufacturer is particularly critical of the commissions the company charges on App Store purchases. In addition, the richest person in the world is still unhappy that Apple hired several former Tesla engineers, among other things, to develop the now-abandoned Apple Car.
The electric car manufacturer relies largely on its own software for its vehicles, which admittedly offers a wide range of features. However, many people interested in electric cars are also Apple users. And they want deeper integration of their smartphones into the vehicle’s infotainment system – currently, iPhones can only be connected via Bluetooth for making calls or listening to music.
Availability is an important purchase criterion
According to a study conducted by management consultancy McKinsey in 2024, the unavailability of Apple CarPlay or its Google counterpart, Android Auto, would be a deal breaker for 30 per cent of potential buyers when choosing their electric car. Given the current stagnation in sales figures for its models, Tesla cannot afford to let these customers slip through its fingers.
Therefore, the car manufacturer is apparently considering introducing Apple’s in-house smartphone integration into its models. This is reported by Bloomberg. The news agency refers to information from people familiar with the matter. For Apple, this would represent a milestone in its automotive activities. After all, Tesla is still the market leader in the United States when it comes to electric cars.
Apple CarPlay is intended to complement its own software
It appears that Tesla is already working behind the scenes on integrating the software and associated features. However, this does not necessarily mean that Apple CarPlay will actually be introduced. Tesla is known for tinkering with certain technologies and features for months or years, only to eventually scrap them.
If it does happen, customers should be provided with the wireless version of CarPlay. When activated, it will not replace the in-house infotainment functions, but only complement them. Essential components, such as navigation, will continue to run on the familiar Tesla systems. This is to ensure the functionality of the linked assistance systems, including the ‘Full Self Driving Software’.
It is therefore unlikely that the version used will be the more comprehensive ‘CarPlay Ultra’ version that Apple introduced in May. The software was rolled out in selected Aston Martin models. The ‘Ultra’ version has direct access to the instrument display, seat adjustment and climate control. This is unlikely to be an option for Tesla.
This article was first published by Elias Holdenried for electrive’s German edition.
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