For years, Tesla enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the integration of Apple CarPlay into their vehicles, but the feature was notably absent. Now, industry insiders suggest that Tesla is preparing to change course and introduce CarPlay support, a move that could significantly enhance the user experience for Apple ecosystem fans.

Apple CarPlay has become a standard feature in nearly half of new cars, offering seamless smartphone connectivity and access to navigation, messaging, and media apps directly on the dashboard. Its popularity is reflected in consumer preferences: many buyers prioritize vehicles with CarPlay, viewing it as essential for modern connectivity.

Historically, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has favored proprietary infotainment systems, emphasizing fun and unique features like in-car video games and quirky sound effects. Musk has also publicly criticized Apple, which may have contributed to the delay in adopting CarPlay.

Industry experts note that adding CarPlay could attract more tech-savvy buyers and improve Tesla’s appeal amidst increasing competition. According to recent surveys, integrating familiar interfaces like CarPlay aligns with consumer expectations, making Tesla more competitive in the evolving electric vehicle market.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.