Tesla Could Integrate CarPlay. Here's Why It Makes Sense

Tesla vehicles currently do not support Apple CarPlay. However, they may receive this feature in the next few months, according to a recent...

Tesla vehicles currently do not support Apple CarPlay. However, they may receive this feature in the next few months, according to a recent report.

It seems that Tesla is genuinely concerned about its declining car sales, even though CEO Elon Musk has ambitious intentions to move away from the more conventional automotive industry.

The car manufacturer is striving to incorporate Apple CarPlay into its vehicles,Bloomberg reportedOn Thursday, according to individuals acquainted with the situation. This would represent a significant shift for the company that was known for creating minimalist, easily upgradable, and richly featured vehicle entertainment systems entirely developed internally.

It's surprising. However, it might be a shrewd strategy for Tesla to expand its attractiveness. And if the original anti-CarPlay automotive brand adopts Apple's system, it could resolve the issue."To CarPlay or not to CarPlay" controversy once and for all. 

Tesla has begun internal trials of CarPlay and has talked about introducing it to the public in the next few months,Bloomberg reported. A launch date has not yet been confirmed, and the source also mentioned that Tesla has previously abandoned features before their release.

What might it resemble? As per the report, CarPlay would take up a section within the broader Tesla user interface. This suggests that drivers could engage with other Tesla features and applications while simultaneously using CarPlay. CarPlay could offer convenient access to the apps users utilize on their phones but aren't available directly through their Tesla, such as Waze, PlugShare, and iMessage.

In other vehicles, CarPlay utilizes the entire infotainment display, serving as a new interface that provides functionality comparable to a smartphone. However, Tesla's approach is logical, considering its reputation for advanced touchscreens and high-quality software features.

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Is it a wise decision? Considering Tesla's challenges in increasing its vehicle sales during the past few years, it might be. Launching a Cybertruck, a new Model 3, and a new Model Y has, at most, allowed Tesla to keep sales steady. Free Supercharging and trials of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) had minimal impact, and Tesla is expected to conclude 2025 with lower worldwide deliveries compared to the previous year.

For many years, Tesla's sales experienced a significant rise as passionate early adopters were impressed by the electric performance and stylish technology of its vehicles. However, it is now facing challenges. As the entire electric vehicle industry strives to attract a broader, more mainstream group of customers who require more persuasion to switch to electric, Tesla might need to make greater efforts to appeal to these individuals. Introducing more models could be beneficial, but adding software features is considerably simpler.

And if there's one thing American car buyers adore, irrespective of brand allegiance or other factors, it's CarPlay. A McKinsey report revealed that a quarter of electric vehicle buyers would not even think about a car lacking CarPlay or Android Auto. Thus, Apple's phone-screen mirroring feature could be a fairly straightforward, easy way to boost sales—and no one is going tonotpurchase a Tesla simply because Tesla gave in.

Including CarPlay might make Teslas less daunting to use. Although many of its passionate supporters appreciate Tesla's emphasis on technology, others are put off by the idea of using a large, unfamiliar touchscreen. They prefer to stick with what they are familiar with, which for many people is the Apple interface and CarPlay. According toanother study, more than 80% of drivers with access to phone projection features utilize them.

The bigger issue is what this choice could imply for the rest of the automotive sector, should it happen. Is this merely a last-ditch effort to boost a few more Tesla sales from undecided customers? Or does it indicate that CarPlay has become so deeply integrated into people's lives that no car manufacturer can afford to overlook it—even Tesla, one of the most powerful players in the industry?

Rivian also does not provide CarPlay or Android Auto, and its leadership has shown no inclination to alter this approach. The company believes it is essential to manage a customer's full digital experience, even with consistent feedback from its users.

General Motors has faced significant criticism for removing CarPlay from its electric vehicles. And it recently reinforced this decision when CEO Mary Barra statedThe Vergethat it intends to implement similar measures for its internal combustion vehicles in the future. Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its presence further into the automotive sector. It has recently launchedCarPlay Ultra, which will essentially substitute a car's entire digital system—from its speedometer to its climate controls and entertainment features.

Previously, car manufacturers have generally followed Tesla's lead. The electric vehicle company encouraged the industry to take electric cars seriously, to develop vehicles that are more software-focused, to install large touchscreens in their cars, and to create their own sophisticated infotainment systems for them.

Whether this news will impact the remaining no-CarPlay supporters remains uncertain. It is evident, however, that the competition for your car's display is far from concluded.

Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com 

Update: 6:30 pm ET on November 13 with further survey details regarding Apple CarPlay and other information.