Tesla is reportedly set to abandon its stance on third-party infotainment systems by adding Apple CarPlay to its vehicles, a move that could help alleviate slowing demand for the company's models in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
The decision comes as Tesla faces challenges on multiple fronts, including decreased sales and expired government incentives. To revitalize its lineup, the company has been exploring cost-cutting measures, such as offering lower-priced models and car rental options. Now, adding CarPlay could be a key differentiator for the brand, allowing it to better compete with rivals like General Motors.
Tesla's plan to incorporate CarPlay into its vehicles is said to involve the standard setup, rather than Apple CarPlay Ultra, which was recently introduced in the $250,000 Aston Martin DBX. This version of CarPlay includes features such as vehicle system controls and advanced audio management. According to reports, Tesla's proposed implementation would allow users to access CarPlay on the central touchscreen display while maintaining control over native functions like Autopilot.
In contrast, Android Auto is not currently being considered for inclusion in Tesla's vehicles. The company has long insisted that its own software is superior to third-party systems, but this stance may be up for review given the increasing popularity of CarPlay among consumers.
Interestingly, General Motors recently announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its vehicles, citing a strategy shift towards native infotainment systems. However, this approach has been met with criticism from consumers and industry analysts, who argue that these features are essential for many buyers when purchasing a new vehicle.
Research suggests that CarPlay is still a highly influential factor in car buying decisions, with over 60% of respondents citing it as a key feature to consider. This trend is mirrored by other manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid, which have chosen not to include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles.
Tesla's decision to add CarPlay may be seen as an attempt to appease its shareholders while navigating the increasingly crowded EV market.
The decision comes as Tesla faces challenges on multiple fronts, including decreased sales and expired government incentives. To revitalize its lineup, the company has been exploring cost-cutting measures, such as offering lower-priced models and car rental options. Now, adding CarPlay could be a key differentiator for the brand, allowing it to better compete with rivals like General Motors.
Tesla's plan to incorporate CarPlay into its vehicles is said to involve the standard setup, rather than Apple CarPlay Ultra, which was recently introduced in the $250,000 Aston Martin DBX. This version of CarPlay includes features such as vehicle system controls and advanced audio management. According to reports, Tesla's proposed implementation would allow users to access CarPlay on the central touchscreen display while maintaining control over native functions like Autopilot.
In contrast, Android Auto is not currently being considered for inclusion in Tesla's vehicles. The company has long insisted that its own software is superior to third-party systems, but this stance may be up for review given the increasing popularity of CarPlay among consumers.
Interestingly, General Motors recently announced plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from its vehicles, citing a strategy shift towards native infotainment systems. However, this approach has been met with criticism from consumers and industry analysts, who argue that these features are essential for many buyers when purchasing a new vehicle.
Research suggests that CarPlay is still a highly influential factor in car buying decisions, with over 60% of respondents citing it as a key feature to consider. This trend is mirrored by other manufacturers like Rivian and Lucid, which have chosen not to include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles.
Tesla's decision to add CarPlay may be seen as an attempt to appease its shareholders while navigating the increasingly crowded EV market.