Tesla: No CarPlay, still no CarPlay
Tesla has consistently been an early and long-time CarPlay holdout, choosing to focus entirely on its own in-car software. The system, designed to reflect the brand’s futuristic, minimalist aesthetic, has always offered a unique experience that doesn’t include Apple’s integration. However, in November 2025, a report from Bloomberg suggested that Tesla might be reconsidering its position. According to the report, the company was actively preparing to add CarPlay support, with a potential rollout expected in the coming months. Yet, as of now, there has been no confirmation. Mark Gurman later provided an update in early 2025, noting that Apple and Tesla had collaborated to improve Apple Maps compatibility with Tesla’s autonomous features. That development was reportedly included in iOS 26.4 and demonstrated during a recent developer session. Still, the question remains whether this means that CarPlay will actually appear in Tesla models in the near future.
Even if Tesla does decide to add CarPlay, the feature would not take over the entire in-car experience. Instead, it would likely appear as a “window” within the native Tesla interface. This setup would mean that Apple’s system would coexist with Tesla’s software rather than replace it completely. For drivers who expect full Apple control over their vehicles, this approach might feel like a partial or limited solution.
Rivian: All-in on one system
Rivian, following Tesla’s lead, has chosen to develop its own in-car experience rather than adopt Apple’s CarPlay. CEO RJ Scaringe has repeatedly stated that the company has no plans to include the Apple system in its vehicles. In a 2023 interview, Scaringe argued that drivers should not be forced to switch between Rivian’s native interface and Apple’s system. He emphasized the importance of a “seamless digital experience” — one that allows users to complete all tasks within a single, unified interface without switching between apps or UIs. This stance has remained consistent, and Rivian continues to prioritize its own platform over third-party integrations.
In January 2025, Rivian’s head of software, Wassym Bensaid, added another layer to the company’s reasoning. He claimed that the increasing role of AI in cars could render CarPlay obsolete in the long run. According to Bensaid, the deep integration of artificial intelligence into vehicle systems makes the traditional app-based navigation of CarPlay unnecessary. This bold idea suggests that Rivian believes the future of automotive tech is not in cross-platform apps, but in fully native, AI-driven experiences. However, for now, Rivian’s models — including the R1T, R1S, and upcoming vehicles — do not offer CarPlay integration in any form.
GM: Walking away from CarPlay slowly
The company later expanded this decision to include its gas-powered models, planning to phase out support “gradually” over the years. GM justified this move by saying it wanted to streamline the user experience and gain better control over in-car data, particularly around charging and autonomous driving features. GM Chief Product Officer Sterling compared the decision to Apple’s removal of floppy disk drives in favor of flash storage, arguing that it was a necessary step to move forward. “Look, guys, flash storage really is the future,” he said. “Get on board, you’ll see that.”
As of 2025, GM is still defending its choice, even as customer complaints continue. The company insists that removing CarPlay improves driver attention and overall experience, but this reasoning has not convinced everyone. In online car forums and reviews, many buyers have stated that CarPlay is a key feature they look for, and the lack of it has already ruled out GM for some. GM is moving forward with its plan, but the shift has created a noticeable gap between the automaker and those who prioritize Apple integration.
