Tesla plans to add Apple CarPlay by running it in a separate window to preserve Tesla’s existing interface while delivering the familiar iPhone experience, a shift after historically dismissing CarPlay and Android Auto as superior to Tesla’s own UI.

The rollout faces a delay as Apple updates Maps in iOS 26 to align with Tesla’s navigation system, requiring coordinated fixes between Apple Maps and Tesla’s software.

iOS 26 adoption appears healthy, with about 74% of iPhones from the last four years on iOS 26, indicating a solid user base for the potential CarPlay integration.

There is no official CarPlay release date yet; analysts note the potential for a sales boost as Tesla faces four consecutive months of slipping US registrations in January estimates.

The report includes related links and continued Tesla coverage from the same outlet, highlighting ongoing interest in Tesla’s software ambitions.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported the development in the Sunday Power On newsletter, tying it to Bloomberg’s broader coverage of iOS 26 and earlier delays in FSD and Siri in iOS 27.

The article attributes the information to Mark Gurman and notes Gurman’s Power On newsletter as the source, consistent with Bloomberg’s reporting.

This CarPlay development marks a notable strategic shift for Tesla, given Elon Musk’s past stance that CarPlay and Android Auto were not needed.

Initial plans targeted a late-2025 rollout, but technical conflicts and slow software updates pushed the timeline back.

Tesla had previously resisted CarPlay, arguing in-house integration was superior, but is now moving forward as competitors widely adopt CarPlay.

No release date is set; the feature could potentially bolster Tesla sales amid tentative demand, as January US registration data showed a four-month slide.

Successful rollout will depend on Apple Maps fixes and enough users running the new iOS 26 to ensure smooth syncing.