Tesla delays Apple CarPlay launch over iOS 26 compatibility issues
Tesla’s planned integration of Apple CarPlay has been delayed because of app compatibility complications and low adoption of iOS 26, according to a report by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. Initial reports had suggested a late 2025 rollout for the feature, and Bloomberg previously reported in November that Tesla was testing CarPlay in its vehicles.
The delay centers on technical issues between Apple Maps and Tesla’s native navigation system, which is integral to the vehicle’s self-driving capabilities. Apple released an update to iOS 26 to improve synchronization between the two navigation applications, specifically for Tesla’s autonomous driving functions.
Tesla is reportedly concerned that the current adoption rate of iOS 26 is insufficient to support a broad launch of CarPlay, prompting the company to hold back the feature. While adoption rates were initially lower than usual, recent data indicates an upward trend.
Apple reports that 74 percent of iPhones from the last four years are now running iOS 26. There remains no official date for when CarPlay will be available in Tesla vehicles. The integration of the feature is viewed as a potential driver for sales, which have declined for four consecutive months according to January US registration estimates.