As the rumors of Tesla adding CarPlay support to its vehicles continue, Apple is reportedly making CarPlay even more attractive by turning it into more than just a navigation and music tool. While CarPlay doesn’t currently support AirPlay, recent findings in the iOS 26.4 beta suggest that Apple is laying the groundwork for an AirPlay-like feature that would let users watch Apple TV directly on their vehicle’s dashboard.
The discovery was first shared by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris (@aaronp613), who found code strings pointing toward a dedicated Apple TV experience within CarPlay. One specific message found in the code reads: "When you’re not driving, sign in to Apple TV on iPhone." This hints at the ability to play Apple TV movies and shows on your CarPlay screen, but it appears it’ll be exclusive to Apple TV, at least at first. It will also include restrictions, preventing you from playing videos while the vehicle is in motion.
During WWDC, Apple also discussed “video in the car,” which would allow users to watch videos from their phones directly on the CarPlay display. However, this won’t work natively on all CarPlay displays, as it requires the vehicle manufacturer to integrate support for “CarPlay with AirPlay.”
An Entertainment Hub on Wheels
The focus on in-car entertainment makes perfect sense as vehicle screens get larger and more capable. Apple is seemingly working on AirPlay-like functionality for CarPlay that would allow users to wirelessly stream videos from their iPhone to the car's display.
This "parked-only" restriction is key for safety and legal compliance. It appears the system will likely use your phone's sensors or vehicle data to determine if you're moving. It would be a game-changer for electric vehicle owners looking to kill time while sitting at a charger.
While Apple TV is the headline act here, it’s easy to imagine how this could expand. It would be a major win if Apple eventually added support for other heavy hitters like YouTube and Twitch. Tesla already offers a YouTube app for its users, and if Apple wants CarPlay to remain the gold standard for infotainment, it will need to match that level of variety.
What This Means for Tesla Owners
For years, Tesla has shunned third-party systems like CarPlay and Android Auto in favor of its own proprietary software. This has forced owners to use homebrewed workarounds, such as the Tesla Android Project, to get CarPlay on their screens.
However, the tides are turning. Tesla has reportedly been working on official Apple CarPlay support for a while now, even going so far as enlisting the iPhone maker’s help to iron out integration kinks between Apple Maps and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system to ensure navigation prompts stay in sync.
If Apple successfully bakes Apple TV into CarPlay just as Tesla officially adopts the feature, it would create a massive "ecosystem lock-in" for iPhone users. The ability to watch your favorite shows while at a Supercharger — all through the familiar Apple interface — could be the final piece of the puzzle for many EV buyers.
