Tesla is reportedly considering a major about-face in its stance on third-party infotainment systems, with the electric vehicle manufacturer weighing adding Apple CarPlay to its vehicles as soon as 2025.
The move would mark a significant shift for Tesla, which has long insisted that its native software is superior to third-party solutions. However, with demand for its models slowing amid increased competition and government incentives expiring, the company may be looking for ways to differentiate itself from competitors.
According to reports, Tesla's testing of Apple CarPlay is focused on standard setup, rather than more advanced features like Apple CarPlay Ultra, which offers additional controls over vehicle systems. The current plan would allow users to access CarPlay on their central touchscreen display while maintaining native functions visible at all times.
The decision not to include Android Auto in the lineup raises questions about which models will be equipped with CarPlay and whether older vehicles can add the feature. An official rollout date has yet to be confirmed, but such a move would likely spark controversy given Tesla's long-standing stance on its proprietary software.
This development comes as General Motors has recently announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles in favor of native infotainment systems. However, this approach has been met with backlash from consumers and industry analysts, who argue that the exclusion of these features may be a costly mistake.
Research suggests that third-party infotainment solutions like Apple CarPlay can be a major deciding factor for car buyers, with many considering features like these essential to their purchasing decision. The recent results of an AutoPacific study found that 60% of respondents would be less likely to buy a new vehicle if certain conveniences, including CarPlay and Android Auto, were not included.
Tesla's decision to potentially add Apple CarPlay to its vehicles may indicate a shift in the company's approach as it navigates the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. With the rise of rival manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid, which have resisted adding third-party infotainment systems to their native software, Tesla may be looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and appease its shareholders.
The move would mark a significant shift for Tesla, which has long insisted that its native software is superior to third-party solutions. However, with demand for its models slowing amid increased competition and government incentives expiring, the company may be looking for ways to differentiate itself from competitors.
According to reports, Tesla's testing of Apple CarPlay is focused on standard setup, rather than more advanced features like Apple CarPlay Ultra, which offers additional controls over vehicle systems. The current plan would allow users to access CarPlay on their central touchscreen display while maintaining native functions visible at all times.
The decision not to include Android Auto in the lineup raises questions about which models will be equipped with CarPlay and whether older vehicles can add the feature. An official rollout date has yet to be confirmed, but such a move would likely spark controversy given Tesla's long-standing stance on its proprietary software.
This development comes as General Motors has recently announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its vehicles in favor of native infotainment systems. However, this approach has been met with backlash from consumers and industry analysts, who argue that the exclusion of these features may be a costly mistake.
Research suggests that third-party infotainment solutions like Apple CarPlay can be a major deciding factor for car buyers, with many considering features like these essential to their purchasing decision. The recent results of an AutoPacific study found that 60% of respondents would be less likely to buy a new vehicle if certain conveniences, including CarPlay and Android Auto, were not included.
Tesla's decision to potentially add Apple CarPlay to its vehicles may indicate a shift in the company's approach as it navigates the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. With the rise of rival manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid, which have resisted adding third-party infotainment systems to their native software, Tesla may be looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and appease its shareholders.