Tesla is so desperate to increase sales that it is adding Apple CarPlay – Jalopnik

It seems that since the beginning of time, Tesla has remained steadfast in its decision not to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That might change, like Bloomberg reports that Tesla is now actively developing Apple CarPlay support. The same can’t be said for Android Auto, as Tesla is currently only working on CarPlay.

According to Bloomberg’s unnamed “knowledgeable people,” Tesla’s implementation of CarPlay would run in its own window within Tesla’s broader interface, rather than replacing the entire system as is the case with many vehicles. This makes sense, since Tesla’s operating system controls the entire car, not just the infotainment, and CarPlay can’t do that. CarPlay Ultra perhaps, but many manufacturers shy away from controlling their own systems, and it’s no surprise that Tesla would do the same. Although CarPlay support is currently in development and testing, no rollout date has been set yet.

Crater sales are probably the reason why Tesla changed its mind. According to CarscopesA study by McKinsey & Co. shows that 25% of EV buyers and 38% of combustion engine car buyers will refuse to purchase a vehicle that does not support smartphone mirroring. It’s also one of the optional features our readers said they can’t live without. Perhaps Tesla and its potential trillionaire CEO, Elon Musk, realized they can’t afford to lose a quarter of their potential buyers because of this. If you’re desperate enough to start renting cars off the showroom floor, adding CarPlay support doesn’t seem that difficult.

The reason (or excuse, depending on your point of view) for this has generally been that generic navigation apps can’t provide the integration that native systems provide for true interoperability. Google and Apple Maps don’t know the battery’s charge status or estimated range, so they can’t guide you to the best charging station along your route. From GM’s attempt to win us over:

…when the owner of a Chevy Blazer EV drives to an EV charging station, the vehicle’s software can begin warming up the battery so it is ready for faster charging. That’s a level of ‘holistic integration’ not available through CarPlay and Android Auto.

However, Rivian offers all this with its Google Maps integration. It’s not mirroring, but it shows that it is possible. That includes Porsche, whose Macan now supports Apple Maps EV routing within CarPlay.

Apple® Maps EV routing uses real-time vehicle information to help customers navigate to their destination, recommending charging stops when necessary. By analyzing elevation changes along the route and other factors, Apple® Maps identifies suitable charging stations along the way. If a customer drives until the charge becomes too low, they will be offered a route to the nearest compatible charging station.

We don’t know if Tesla plans to offer EV-specific functionality like this in its integration, or if it will simply offer basic CarPlay functionality to appease the angry villagers. What is clear, however, is that the company that set the trend and opposed smartphone mirroring at a time when everyone was embracing it is now figuring out how to integrate it. The excuse of ‘Tesla doesn’t do it, so we don’t have to’ is no longer valid.