Tesla CarPlay Support Is Still in the Works
After years of speculation and mixed signals, Apple CarPlay may finally be coming to Tesla. According to a recent update from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Tesla is still actively developing CarPlay support, suggesting the long-running standoff between Tesla and phone-based infotainment systems may be coming to an end.
Gurman originally reported in November that CarPlay was on Tesla’s roadmap. When the feature failed to appear in Tesla’s highly anticipated holiday update, many assumed the plan had been delayed or quietly canceled. The latest report indicates otherwise. Tesla appears to still be working on CarPlay and may have never intended to ship it with the holiday release in the first place.
Why CarPlay Didn’t Appear in the Holiday Update
Tesla’s holiday updates often focus on consumer-facing features, but they are not always the right timing for deeper system integrations. CarPlay requires extensive testing to ensure it does not interfere with vehicle systems, driver attention, or Tesla’s core UI.
According to Gurman, Tesla’s work on CarPlay is ongoing, and more details are expected soon. This points to a longer development cycle rather than a dropped feature. A spring or later 2026 release now appears more likely.
A Windowed CarPlay, Not Full-Screen Control
Drivers hoping for Apple’s new CarPlay Ultra experience may want to temper expectations. Bloomberg sources indicate Tesla is pursuing a much more limited implementation.
Rather than allowing CarPlay to take over the entire center display, Tesla is expected to integrate it as a windowed app, similar to Spotify or the built-in browser. Tesla’s own operating system would remain dominant, with CarPlay running alongside it rather than replacing it.
This approach allows Tesla to maintain control over key vehicle functions while still offering access to Apple’s app ecosystem.
Why Tesla Wants to Sandbox CarPlay
Tesla’s in-house software is one of its most valuable assets. It serves as the gateway to revenue-generating services such as Full Self-Driving and Premium Connectivity.
By isolating CarPlay into a dedicated app window, Tesla can ensure that:
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FSD visualizations remain native and uninterrupted
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Navigation, trip planning, and climate controls stay within Tesla’s UI
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Safety-critical systems and ADAS visuals are not affected by third-party software
At the same time, drivers gain access to popular iOS apps Tesla does not natively support, including Waze, Overcast, and Apple Books, without needing to interact with their phones while driving.
Standard CarPlay vs CarPlay Ultra
Another key detail is that Tesla is reportedly testing the standard wireless version of CarPlay, not CarPlay Ultra.
CarPlay Ultra requires automakers to map vehicle sensor data directly into Apple’s interface, giving Apple far more control over the driving experience. Adoption across the industry has been slow, as many manufacturers are unwilling to give up that level of control.
Tesla’s choice aligns with this trend. Standard CarPlay delivers familiar apps and functionality without compromising Tesla’s autonomy over its vehicle systems.
Market Pressure May Be Driving Tesla’s Decision
Tesla’s shift toward CarPlay may also reflect changing market realities. Recent studies show that roughly one-third of car buyers consider the absence of CarPlay a deal-breaker.
While many long-time Tesla owners are satisfied with Tesla’s native software, new buyers often expect CarPlay as a baseline feature. For drivers who rely on specific apps like Waze, the lack of CarPlay has been a persistent complaint.
Adding CarPlay could help Tesla appeal to a broader audience without fundamentally changing its software philosophy.
Could CarPlay Launch in Tesla’s Spring Update?
Tesla has increasingly reserved major UI changes for its annual Spring Update, making it a natural candidate for a CarPlay rollout.
If and when the feature launches, it may be limited to vehicles equipped with the newer AMD-based MCU rather than older Intel-powered systems. This would mirror Tesla’s recent pattern of restricting more demanding features to newer hardware.
For now, Tesla has not officially confirmed a release date. But with development reportedly ongoing and more details expected soon, CarPlay support no longer appears to be a dead rumor.
