Tesla opens up to Apple CarPlay but still snubs Android

Tesla may be poised to change its long-standing stance toward third-party in-car systems from Apple and Google.

Tesla could soon allow its drivers to access Apple CarPlay, a notable reversal after years of refusal. According to Bloomberg, the automaker is currently experimenting with integrating Apple’s system, but in a very particular way: CarPlay would not replace the main screen, but would be displayed in a dedicated window. This approach would allow Tesla’s in-house features, notably Full Self-Driving visualizations, to remain prioritized, while giving users the ability to enjoy Apple apps. Compatibility with wireless connectivity is also expected to be part of the plan, aligning Tesla with other premium manufacturers.

Tesla opens its screens sparingly

This opening contrasts with Tesla’s long reluctance to integrate third-party systems. Elon Musk has often criticized Apple, particularly its App Store practices and the hiring of Tesla engineers during the Apple Car project. Moreover, the Tesla interface is widely praised for its design and features, considered superior by many owners compared with CarPlay.

Yet market demand is tangible. A McKinsey study indicates that one-third of buyers say the absence of systems like CarPlay can influence their purchase decision. The integration of Apple’s system could therefore attract new customers and strengthen the appeal of Tesla vehicles in a market where smartphone compatibility is becoming a deciding factor.

But this opening remains very selective. Android Auto is not planned, and the Google ecosystem remains entirely excluded. Tesla continues to favor its own software and full control of the user experience, even if that means ignoring a large base of potential users. This choice once again underlines the automaker’s singular strategy, which advances by its own rules, even in the face of growing demand for more universal in-car systems.

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