Tesla has long resisted the call to add CarPlay to its in-car computer system. But that is set to change. Tesla is testing a software update that will add wireless CarPlay to its own infotainment system. Most vehicles have a dedicated display that is 100% dedicated to CarPlay. Tesla will take a different approach and run Apple’s in-car iPhone mirror as a windowed app.
Tesla’s infotainment and informatics system can do pretty much everything CarPlay can from a functional perspective. But there are a lot of people for whom CarPlay is a must-have feature. Tesla is sales under pressure from a growing number of rivals, mainly from China. So it needs to find any edge it can to stop it from being relegated to the list of innovative companies that was usurped when its market edge was commoditised.
Tesla’s approach, by making it a windowed application rather than the only option, makes a lot of sense. It allows Tesla to maintain its own infotainment system, gives owners a choice, and opens up a broader market.
This is a welcome shot in the arm for Apple CarPlay. There have been reports that major car companies are preparing to drop CarPlay in favour of their own systems. This is presumably to avoid licensing costs but to also have greater control of what appears on screen in cars.
Tesla is said to be several months away from releasing the software update.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.