Is Tesla Finally Bringing Apple CarPlay? What It Means for Drivers — and Why You Don’t Have to Wait

For years, Tesla has famously refused to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, insisting that its own infotainment system is superior. But a new Bloomberg report suggests something nobody expected: Tesla is actively exploring Apple CarPlay integration.

If true, this would be one of the biggest software U-turns in Tesla history—and it could reshape the entire automotive industry. But Tesla drivers don’t have to wait. With our Tesla CarPlay Dongle, you can already enjoy full CarPlay in any Tesla today.

Why Tesla Avoided CarPlay for So Long

When Apple CarPlay launched in 2014, it transformed in-car infotainment. Meanwhile, Tesla already had its own advanced UI, and Elon Musk refused to let external interfaces take over the screen.

Tesla owners followed this philosophy, often insisting that:

• Tesla’s software is better than CarPlay

• Phone projection is outdated

• Native apps are “enough”

But over the years, nearly every major automaker embraced CarPlay—BMW, Toyota, Ford, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, VW, and more—because customers simply demand it.

What Changed?

According to Bloomberg’s report (by Apple insider Mark Gurman and Tesla reporter Ed Ludlow), Tesla is testing a new type of CarPlay:

A “windowed” CarPlay experience

• CarPlay runs in a window instead of taking over the whole screen

• Tesla keeps control of core car functions

• CarPlay works alongside Tesla’s built-in navigation

• Tesla avoids letting Apple “own” the UI

This resembles third-party mods like Tesla Android—but with deeper Tesla-level integration if it happens.

Why Tesla Is Rethinking Its Position

• EV competition has exploded

• Many buyers require CarPlay

• Tesla sales have slowed in 2024–2025

• Rivian, GM, and others refusing CarPlay has been unpopular

• Tesla wants to attract new customers outside the Musk fanbase

Simply put: CarPlay helps sell cars.

Why Tesla Fans Are Split

X.com polls show Tesla owners divided:

• Some say CarPlay “ruins” the Tesla experience

• Others desperately want Waze, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Spotify, etc.

• Many just want proper message replies via Siri

Still, more than 30% of Tesla owners would enable CarPlay immediately if available.

The Problem: Tesla Might Never Fully Adopt CarPlay

Even if Tesla does launch CarPlay:

• It will not control climate, battery, or vehicle functions

• It will not integrate with FSD

• Apple Maps won’t access Tesla battery data

• Phone projection may be very limited

And it could easily be canceled last-minute—something Tesla does often.

This is why many owners are no longer waiting.

Don’t Wait: CarPlay Already Works in Every Tesla Today

Tesla may take months—or years—to launch its own CarPlay solution. But TheCarPlayer.com already offers a plug-and-play CarPlay solution for Tesla:

👉 Dongle – Apple CarPlay for Tesla
https://thecarplayer.com/collections/tesla/products/dongle-apple-carplay-tesla

What you get today

✔ Full Apple CarPlay (wired & wireless)
✔ Works on ALL Tesla models
✔ Easy plug-and-play
✔ Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps
✔ Siri for calls, messages & WhatsApp
✔ YouTube, Netflix and more (depending on app restrictions)

Many Tesla drivers use it because:

• They prefer Apple Maps traffic accuracy

• They want Waze alerts

• They want proper message dictation

• They need business tools like Teams or Webex

• They’re used to the CarPlay interface from their previous car

You don’t need to wait for Elon Musk to “approve” CarPlay. You can have it today.

What Tesla’s CarPlay Move Means for the Auto Industry

If Tesla adopts CarPlay—even in a limited form—it will change everything:

• GM, which recently removed CarPlay, will be under pressure to reverse its decision

• Rivian may have no other choice but to add it

• Other brands that hesitated (VW, Volvo, Lucid) will strengthen support

• Apple CarPlay Ultra (the next-gen version) could gain momentum

• Customers will expect CarPlay in every EV as a minimum requirement

When Tesla moves, the industry follows. This could spark a major shift back toward customer-first infotainment.

Conclusion: Tesla Might Add CarPlay, but You Don’t Have to Wait

Rumors are heating up, but nothing is guaranteed. Tesla has canceled features overnight before, and CarPlay may be no different.

If you want Apple CarPlay in your Tesla right now, you can get it today:

👉 Tesla CarPlay Dongle – Available at TheCarPlayer.com
Experience the CarPlay Tesla won’t give you yet.