As competitive pressure mounts, Tesla is examining ways to attract buyers, and Apple CarPlay adoption could be on the cards.
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Tesla has begun investigating adding Apple’s CarPlay smartphone mirroring tech to its vehicles, according to a new report.
A report from Reuters reveals that Tesla has begun testing CarPlay integration internally.
While the system is under consideration, the decision to roll out a production version has not yet been locked in.
Until now, Tesla has resisted adopting either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring, instead relying on the in-built infotainment system’s ability to run apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and other music, navigation, and messaging applications natively.
Tesla insiders have suggested that the technology could be available within months, however the decision to adopt the technology has not yet been locked in, meaning Tesla may not provide a production-ready version to customers.
Tesla’s CarPlay integration will reportedly include wireless connectivity and be displayed as a window within the Tesla infotainment system, rather than as a full-screen version.
While some brands allow full-screen CarPlay integration, others retain access to native vehicle functions, usually at the outer edges of the display, so that users can access core vehicle functions while simultaneously running the smartphone mirroring ecosystem.
Tesla’s change in attitude appears to have been prompted by the changing relationship between Tesla and Apple.
With Apple no longer working on its own electric vehicle, and data from consultancy firms revealing that around one-third of new car buyers consider having CarPlay or Android Auto as essential for their next new car purchase, Tesla may be reconsidering its decision to leave the technology out.
The landscape for smartphone mirroring technology is rapidly changing, however.
Brands like Aston Martin, Hyundai, Kia, Ford and Porsche have expressed interest in the system, with Aston Martin being the first to implement CarPlay Ultra in a production vehicle.
At the same time, General Motors has announced plans to move away from CarPlay and develop its own Google-based system. Fellow American EV brand, Rivian, also goes without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
