Tesla may finally be preparing to add Apple CarPlay to its vehicles after years of refusing to support the feature. Sources familiar with the matter say the company has already begun internal development, marking a major shift in strategy as Tesla faces falling sales.
Tesla has long relied on its own infotainment system, which includes a strong set of native apps. Yet many drivers continue to ask for CarPlay so they can use their familiar navigation, music, and messaging tools. CarPlay would also give owners more control over their driving experience, a level of customization Tesla has never offered.
Pressure Builds as Sales Slow
According to the report, Tesla has discussed adding CarPlay for several months. However, no final timeline exists, and an official announcement may not come soon. The potential change arrives during a difficult period for the company. Sales have weakened, and customer interest has dropped as competitors introduce advanced tech features of their own.
CEO Elon Musk has long opposed CarPlay. He has argued that Tesla does not need it, and he has publicly criticized Apple’s App Store policies. Their relationship has become even more strained since Musk sued Apple earlier this year. Despite this tension, Tesla now appears motivated to rethink its position.
An Industry Trend in Reverse
Ironically, Tesla is considering CarPlay while some automakers are moving away from it. General Motors, for example, insists it will remove CarPlay and Android Auto from future vehicles. Apple, meanwhile, keeps expanding CarPlay with new navigation tools, cleaner layouts, and improved calling features. The company is also working to roll out CarPlay Ultra, a high-end version that can control multiple screens in the cabin.
What Comes Next
If Tesla adopts CarPlay, it would represent one of the brand’s most significant software shifts since launch. It may also help the company reconnect with customers who feel Tesla has fallen behind in user-friendly features.
For now, Tesla drivers must wait. But the possibility of CarPlay—once unimaginable for the brand—now seems more realistic than ever.
