According to a fresh report, Tesla is still actively developing Apple CarPlay support, potentially ending a long standoff with direct phone OS integrations into Tesla’s UI.
The short update comes from Mark Gurman’s newsletter, where he says that Tesla is still working on the feature. Gurman’s originally reported that CarPlay was coming was back in November. However, when users didn’t see it included in the big holiday update, they thought that the rumor was inaccurate or that the feature was scrapped. The reality may be different. Tesla is apparently still working on the feature and may never have planned to release it in time for the year's biggest update.
It’s possible we’ll see it in the big spring update or later this year. Gurman kept the update brief, but says that he’ll have more to share on the topic soon.
Tesla has been adding major new features recently, with China recently receiving big additions, including a custom Automations feature, the “Hey, Tesla” wake word for its assistant, and Dashcam improvements. CarPlay could be next.
However, for those expecting Apple to take over the entire primary display with CarPlay Ultra, the implementation will likely be far more restrained. Bloomberg sources indicate that Tesla is pursuing a more “windowed” approach, allowing its OS to coexist with CarPlay rather than letting Apple dominate the screen. If the feature is released, expect CarPlay to be another windowed app like Spotify or the browser.
CarPlay
Tesla’s in-house software is arguably one of its most valuable non-hardware assets, serving as the gateway to services like FSD and Premium Connectivity, which generate additional recurring monthly revenue. By integrating CarPlay within a dedicated app window, Tesla sandboxes the app.
Features such as FSD visualizations, trip planning, and climate control remain within Tesla’s native UI. Drivers gain access to the iOS ecosystem for apps Tesla currently lacks, such as Waze, Overcast, or Apple Books, without needing to look at their phones while driving.
Finally, by sandboxing CarPlay into its own app, Tesla prevents third-party software from interfering with safety-critical driving systems, ADAS visualizations, or any parts of Tesla’s essential safety software stack.
Standard vs Ultra
Notably, Tesla is reportedly testing the standard wireless version of CarPlay rather than the newer CarPlay Ultra. Ultra requires the car maker to map vehicle sensor data into Apple’s interface and has the car manufacturer give up a lot of control. This isn’t what Tesla or many other manufacturers are looking for and adoption of CarPlay Ultra has been slow.
Tesla’s pivot on CarPlay may be driven by the cold reality of market data. Recent studies show that roughly one-third of car buyers consider the absence of CarPlay as a deal-breaker. While many long-time Tesla owners say they see no need for CarPlay, there are several advantages, especially if Tesla doesn’t support apps you love to use, such as Waze.
Destined For the Spring Update?
Tesla has recently saved major UI changes and feature updates for what it’s been calling its Spring Update. There’s a good chance that with things lining up, CarPlay could be released this spring.
As with many recent major software improvements, the feature could be limited to the newer, more capable AMD MCU rather than the legacy Intel version.
