Tesla tests Apple CarPlay: a turning point for infotainment

According to Bloomberg (reported by Car and Driver), Tesla is internally testing Apple CarPlay support on its infotainment system. This would be a major change, as the company has long stuck to its own interface and has not integrated a phone mirroring solution. Android Auto is not mentioned in the report.

CarPlay window, not CarPlay Ultra

If it does go on sale, Tesla CarPlay is expected to appear in a window within the large touchscreen, rather than replace the entire car interface. Bloomberg notes that Tesla is testing “pure” CarPlay, not CarPlay Ultra, a version that can control the interface and functions across multiple screens in the car.

Currently, iOS and Android users on Teslas can only make calls and play music via Bluetooth; large-screen navigation requires the car’s built-in system. The addition of CarPlay, if it happens, would open up familiar iPhone app display and control options.

apple carplay with ios 26 — Apple Carplay with iOS 26

Unexpected turning point seen from the Tesla–Apple context

This move is notable because Tesla, and especially CEO Elon Musk, has had a rocky relationship with Apple. Apple previously recruited many Tesla employees for its now-defunct Project Titan car project, and Musk has publicly criticized the App Store policy. Combined with Tesla’s desire to control its internal software experience, the fact that it’s considering CarPlay is all the more surprising.

Android Auto is absent and iOS priority is likely

Bloomberg doesn’t report similar testing for Android Auto. It’s possible Tesla is testing iOS first—or just considering CarPlay. Tesla has a user ecosystem through its mobile app, according to Car and Driver’s analysis of the report. Apple devices are also popular among high-income consumers, which would fit Tesla’s customer base.

Industry Snapshot: Rivian and GM Go Their Separate Ways

Tesla isn’t alone in its “software autonomy” trend. Rivian has also avoided phone mirroring, calling it a strategic difference rather than a technical hurdle. On the traditional side, GM has announced that future models—regardless of powertrain—will not support CarPlay or Android Auto (which it previously limited to most EVs). The reasons often cited are data control and user experience.

Market demand: why CarPlay matters

Multiple studies (cited in the article) show that CarPlay/Android Auto is among the top criteria when considering car buyers, and many will dismiss a model that lacks phone mirroring support. Bloomberg suggests that adding CarPlay could be one way for Tesla to reverse its recent sales decline.

When will it be available on Tesla?

As is often the case with Tesla rumors, there’s no timeline or confirmation of a rollout to customers. The advantage of over-the-air (OTA) updates means the feature could appear at any time—or not at all.

2026 tesla model y long range awd juniper

Quick summary of smartphone-mirroring support status

Company	Status	Notes by source
Tesla	CarPlay Internal Testing	CarPlay windowed; no mention of Android Auto; implementation undecided
Rivian	Not integrated	Philosophical reason, want to be different with own software
GM	Eliminate CarPlay/Android Auto on future cars	Previously excluded from most EVs; goal of controlling data and experience

Technical Corner for Tesla Users

If implemented, CarPlay would likely function as an “app” within the Tesla interface, without interfering deeply with the vehicle’s control layers.
Navigation, calling, and texting via CarPlay will add options alongside Tesla's native suite of apps.
OTA allows for expanded support coverage in waves, which may vary between vehicle models and regions.

Note: All information above is compiled from a Bloomberg report as reported by Car and Driver; Tesla has not confirmed the timing or scope of the rollout.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/tesla-thu-nghiem-apple-carplay-buoc-ngoat-cho-infotainment-10311434.html