Apple CarPlay in a Tesla? This developer just got it working

Apple CarPlay in a Tesla? This programmer simply got it working

(Image credit: Tesla)

There are plenty of things to similar about the technology inside a Tesla, but at that place are also a lot of things nosotros wish the electric cars did. Ane of the biggest gripes I accept is the fact Tesla refuses to support Apple CarPlay or Android Automobile, instead relying on its own custom infotainment system.

However, that doesn't mean you tin't go Apple tree CarPlay working inside your Tesla. Shine developer Michał Gapiński got CarPlay running on a Tesla Model three's infotainment display, admitting with a few caveats.

Steering wheel controls + electric current state of #teslaCarPlay on video. Adjacent step is to improve Wi-Fi connexion, the stream is 2x smoother when viewed on my laptop pic.twitter.com/0wFFUQQPkxJanuary fourteen, 2022

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Gapiński hasn't offered a step-by-step guide to how he got Apple CarPlay running on the Model 3, only that it involved a Raspberry Pi running a custom Android build and loads CarPlay into the in-car browser. Finally, a spider web browser on a motorcar screen is good for something.

Gapiński also confirmed that he was able to apply the automobile'south steering cycle controls to control Apple Music — a service Tesla's own in-automobile organization still doesn't support. The video also shows how seamlessly CarPlay is within the existing Tesla ecosystem, even if he does appear to have to utilise the mouse to navigate — which is inappreciably ideal.

That said, CarPlay doesn't interfere with any of the other on-screen features. That'south of import in a Model 3 (and by extension a Model Y), considering the lack of an instrument cluster means all the important driver information is on the center screen. Why? It's not clear, since the Model S, Model X, and every other car in existence, has some sort of panel behind the steering wheel.

Gapiński says he will release a full tutorial "when it's polished" and at the moment is working on improving the Wi-Fi connectedness. It'due south unclear when the terminal workaround might be ready.

The only question here is why Tesla still stubbornly refuses to support CarPlay (and Android Auto) in its vehicles. The obvious answer is that it would prefer you to use its own proprietary software, which has better integration with the car itself.

So, for instance, if you're only a long drive and set to run out of power, the navigation organisation can automatically route you to a Supercharger along the style. But a lot of these features, navigation included, cost $ten a calendar month. Apple and Google's alternatives are free, provided you take an acceptable data plan.

Tesla has never fabricated any annunciation ane way or the other. So whether it'south about a seamless 'Tesla' experience, or the fact it doesn't want competition that might brand its own pricey services look less appealing, the fact is CarPlay and Android Auto are off limits without some sort of workaround.

Information technology'south non articulate how user-friendly Gapiński's final method will be, but it would offer some more than option to iPhone-toting Tesla owners. Whether that will encourage Tesla to better encompass the idea of giving the customer more pick isn't clear, though I personally wouldn't go my hopes up.

In the meantime, your best option might just be to pick upwards a CarPlay-capable screen and utilise that instead.

Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually exist found knee joint deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'due south long way from his days every bit editor of Gizmodo Britain, when pretty much everything was on the table. He'due south unremarkably plant trying to clasp another giant Lego prepare onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he actually needs online.