Tesla is finally moving forward with Apple CarPlay support, with the feature now entering internal testing. For many shoppers who hesitated to buy a Tesla due to the lack of CarPlay, this marks a major turning point.
CarPlay has long been a top priority for car buyers. According to McKinsey data, nearly one-third of consumers consider CarPlay a must-have feature when choosing a vehicle. Tesla’s native infotainment system—while powerful—has faced criticism for route planning accuracy and limited real-time alerts, leading many owners to rely on phone mounts or third-party retrofit modules. That era may soon be over.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Runs in windowed mode, keeping Tesla’s original interface intact and allowing easy switching
- Supports wireless connectivity, letting iPhones pair instantly and work with Apple Music, Amap/AutoNavi, and other popular apps
- Does not interfere with FSD (Full Self-Driving) features, ensuring all Tesla safety and driver-assistance systems remain fully operational
- Offers the standard CarPlay experience, covering everyday needs like navigation, music, and basic entertainment apps
The official rollout is expected within the next few months. While delays are still possible, the start of internal testing strongly suggests that a public release is now on the countdown clock.
