Tesla has always taken pride in building its own software ecosystem, keeping its cars free from outside phone interfaces. But a new report suggests that this long standing approach may be about to change. According to fresh information shared by Bloomberg, Tesla has started testing Apple CarPlay inside select vehicles. If confirmed, the update would mark one of the biggest shifts in the company’s software philosophy and could reshape what drivers expect inside the cabin.
Bloomberg reported that sources familiar with the development confirmed that Tesla is quietly running Apple CarPlay on a limited number of vehicles. Instead of filling the entire center screen like it does in many other cars, CarPlay appears in a contained window inside Tesla’s native interface. This approach lets Tesla protect its overall visual identity while still giving drivers access to an interface they already know.
Reports also note that Tesla is not testing the advanced version known as CarPlay Ultra, which takes over every screen in the vehicle. That version has seen slow adoption, with only a few brands like Aston Martin showing support. Tesla seems focused on a more controlled integration that blends with its own operating system rather than replacing it.
If rolled out to the public, this would be the first time Tesla officially supports a third party phone interface, signaling an openness that fans in the United Arab Emirates and around the world have been asking for.
Tesla has resisted CarPlay since the beginning, arguing that its own software offers a smoother experience. But the electric vehicle market is changing quickly. Customers now expect their cars to support the same apps and layout they use on their phones every day. Many buyers even skip cars that do not offer CarPlay, and competing brands that removed it or never adopted it have faced heavy criticism from drivers.
CarPlay brings more than mirrored apps. It offers familiar navigation tools, easier access to messages and music, and a clean interface that reduces distraction. For Tesla owners, combining the strength of Tesla software with the comfort of CarPlay could create one of the most polished in car experiences on the market.
If Tesla makes the feature official, it would gain a strong advantage over rivals like Rivian and General Motors. Customer satisfaction would rise, sales could increase in models that lacked CarPlay support, and competing brands that continue to block the feature would face new pressure to reconsider their strategy. While some drivers currently rely on third party adapters or unofficial mirroring tools, these solutions are limited and unreliable. A true Tesla supported version of CarPlay would finally deliver the seamless integration many owners have been waiting for.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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