How to react to text in CarPlay
Apple’s iOS 26 software lets you safely respond to messages with tapbacks, create custom widget stacks, and more while driving.
problem solved
Native phone support in modern cars is a given in 2025. Despite the ease of integrating personal devices with cars, Tesla and its president Elon Musk have long ignored customer requests to add CarPlay to its electric vehicles (EVs). Now, just as GM is starting to remove Apply CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity from its cars, Tesla and Musk seem to think now is the right time to add CarPlay to their lineup. But why has Tesla been so opposed to Apple’s car integration, and how will this play out?
When you see ads for new cars, you’ll often see Apple CarPlay listed as a feature on their infotainment systems. This demand is due to Apple’s dominance in the personal device market, particularly the iPhone series, and customers who want apps and features to be natively available between devices and vehicles. Tesla hasn’t offered this option on its vehicles since the beginning, just offering connectivity via Bluetooth. As a result, owners are denied the use of Apple Maps, Music, and other native apps that provide services and convenience through CarPlay. According to a report by Bloomberg, the situation could change.
Officials within Tesla are quoted as saying that support for Apple CarPlay is in the works. Why does it matter?Tesla wants to sell more, but the lack of CarPlay support is one of the things that’s starting to put more people off from buying. It’s something Tesla desperately needs as sales are starting to slump here in the U.S. While many EV manufacturers saw sales increase before the end of the federal EV tax credit, Tesla’s sales had plummeted before that due to Musk’s brief foray into politics.
But why have Tesla and Musk ignored and fought customer demand for Apple CarPlay so far? It could be due to two issues Musk has had with Apple. His first issue was with the Apple App Store and its policies, and his latest spat involves xAI and Grok. Another issue is that Apple entered the EV race with the Titan concept, but ultimately canceled that project.
Installing CarPlay after the fact on existing Tesla models is not as simple and integrated as incorporating CarPlay’s standard software. The Bloomberg report says the same thing, and no features or functionality from other Tesla vehicles will be utilized. It also works within a window within Tesla’s user interface (UI), but the company plans to connect Apple’s personal devices to CarPlay wirelessly. Although not mentioned in the report, it appears this will come as an over-the-air update.
However, the report also states that Tesla could halt or significantly slow development if no further progress is made, something Tesla is notorious for. So if you’re waiting for CarPlay to come to future Tesla cars, you might be waiting a while yet.
Photo courtesy of Tesla, MotorTrend staff
