Plans to bring Apple CarPlay to Tesla vehicles have hit a delay, according to a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Tesla owners have been anticipating the arrival of CarPlay — a long-requested feature that mirrors iPhone apps like Apple Maps, music services, and messaging on a car’s dashboard — but it looks like the rollout won’t happen as soon as some hoped.
Earlier rumors had suggested a late 2025 debut for CarPlay support in Tesla EVs, and Bloomberg reported that Tesla was testing the feature as far back as November. However, Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter says the company has paused the rollout due to a combination of software compatibility issues and slower adoption of Apple’s iOS 26 software.
A sticking point appears to be how Apple Maps integrates with Tesla’s in-house navigation system, which also ties into Tesla’s advanced driver-assist and self-driving features. The systems need to synchronize properly so that maps, directions, and autonomous driving functions work smoothly together. To help address this, Apple issued an update to iOS 26 intended to improve compatibility between Apple Maps and Tesla’s navigation software. But even with those fixes, Tesla is reportedly cautious about moving forward until a larger share of iPhone users are on the newer iOS release.
As of the latest figures shared by Apple, about 74 percent of iPhones released in the last four years are running iOS 26. While that number is growing, Bloomberg says Tesla is waiting for broader adoption before enabling CarPlay. Lower than usual adoption rates for iOS 26 may risk fragmentation — where too many drivers are on older software — complicating testing and support for the integrated experience.
There’s still no confirmed timeline for when Apple CarPlay support will arrive in Tesla vehicles. The feature has been highly anticipated because it allows iPhone owners to use familiar navigation, communication, and entertainment apps seamlessly through the car’s center display. For many drivers, CarPlay has become a standard in modern vehicles, and its absence in Tesla models has stood out compared with other electric and traditional automakers.
The delay comes at a challenging time for Tesla. Recent estimates suggest the company’s US sales have slipped for several months, and adding features like CarPlay could help strengthen appeal among mainstream buyers. Until Apple CarPlay arrives, Tesla drivers will continue relying on the company’s built-in infotainment and navigation systems.
