Apple CarPlay could be coming to your Tesla, but don't wait up for Android Auto

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Tesla is allegedly trying to juice car sales after a disappointing year

tesla model 3
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Apple CarPlay may be coming to Tesla’s electric vehicles. According to a new report from Bloomberg, the car maker is developing support for the iPhone-based infotainment system.

Allegedly, the feature has been tested internally at Tesla with a potential rollout happening in the coming months. If CarPlay comes to Tesla vehicles, it would be a stark departure from the company’s long-standing resistance to third-party software.

Apple CarPlay is considered a must-have by many with over 800 models across multiple manufacturers supporting the infotainment system. According to a 2024 McKinsey study, half of car buyers won’t consider a vehicle that doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and 85% of car owners preferred those systems to ones built-in by car makers.

Tesla resists third-party systems

tesla model s with steam running

(Image credit: Tesla)

Historically, Tesla has been committed to its proprietary infotainment system (which includes features like a sketchpad as well as integrated video games for use when charging), though the platform does support apps like Apple Music, Spotify and Google Maps.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has disparaged Apple in the past, especially around the company’s App Store policies and was openly upset over Apple poaching Tesla engineers when the company was still developing an Apple Car.

However, times are different, and Tesla sales have steeply declined this year as the company is suffering an exodus of leadership. Much of the decline has been blamed on Musk’s political rhetoric and involvement in the DOGE agency earlier this year.

But while it sounds like Tesla may be more willing to add Apple CarPlay support than it once was, Bloomberg claims there are no plans to integrate Android Auto.

Apple pluses and minuses

CarPlay app icons

(Image credit: Apple)

While Tesla and Apple declined to comment on Bloomberg’s report, it would be a coup for Apple if CarPlay rolls out across the Tesla lineup. Despite declining sales, Tesla remains the most popular EV maker in the U.S., according to Car and Driver.

Apple, meanwhile, has faced some resistance from car makers this year. At the end of October, GM CEO Mary Barra announced that the company would totally ditch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all its cars for a proprietary infotainment system by 2028. GM dropped support for CarPlay in EVs in 2023.

CarPlay Ultra — the high-end, more integrated version of the platform — was announced at WWDC 2025 and is already struggling to gain traction with automakers. Manufacturers including Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Polestar retreated from commitments of support after being announced as partners.

While the improved CarPlay should still come to Aston Martin, Kia and Hyundai vehicles, luxury manufacturers were concerned about maintaining their own software and in-car experiences. Allegedly, a Renault executive told Apple, "Don't try to invade our own systems."

When cars that support CarPlay Ultra will actually arrive has not yet been announced.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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