Tesla likely to give in: iPhone integration with CarPlay reportedly in the works
Tesla is the best-known CarPlay abstainer. According to a report, this could change – not least as an attempt to boost sales again.
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Tesla is apparently testing the integration of Apple CarPlay internally. According to a report, the electric car manufacturer is working on the iPhone integration common in other vehicle models, which brings apps stored on the smartphone to the infotainment system. The introduction of CarPlay is reportedly being discussed internally in the coming months, as the financial news agency Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the project. However, the plan could change. Neither Tesla nor Apple have commented on the report so far.
Wireless CarPlay in Tesla Test – But No Ultra
Currently, Tesla is reportedly only developing support for wireless CarPlay but not its Android counterpart, Android Auto, nor the newer CarPlay Ultra. CarPlay and Android Auto have long been common in other vehicles and, according to surveys, are highly popular with car buyers (as well as with users of rental cars and fleet vehicles). The iPhone integration is also intended to help boost flagging sales, notes the financial news agency – some potential buyers cite the lack of CarPlay as a reason for not buying a Tesla.
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So far, Tesla has been the most prominent CarPlay refuseer among major car manufacturers. The company has always focused on its in-house system and emphasized the importance of maintaining full control through it. Other EV startups like Rivian have since followed this path. Even major manufacturers like General Motors are putting CarPlay and Android Auto to the test.
CarPlay as a Window in the Tesla Infotainment System
According to the report, the CarPlay interface runs in a window and therefore does not take over the entire large screen of the Tesla infotainment system. "Full Self Driving" can be used with CarPlay navigation, writes Bloomberg. Important vehicle functions generally cannot be controlled via CarPlay. However, manufacturers can offer iOS apps that allow vehicle functions such as seat heating to be controlled without having to leave the CarPlay interface. CarPlay Ultra is intended to better merge the iPhone and car operating systems, but so far can only be found in Aston Martin.
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