TeslaPicture: Robert Alexander (Getty Images)
Tesla could one day bring Apple technology to the cab of its electric cars. Before you go any further: CarPlay won’t save you from using Tesla’s operating system. Rather, the carmaker is discussing ways to improve its already excellent sound system using AirPlay instead of Bluetooth.
Twitter user ShibaDoge last week proposed that Tesla use AirPlay for lossless audio streaming. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, responded by stating that he would discuss the idea (and other improvements) with Tesla’s audio engineering team.
AirPlay is a wireless communication protocol created by Apple that lets you stream audio, video, and other data from one device to another over Wi-Fi. While AirPlay is a proprietary standard, it may be authorized by third parties; If you don’t want a HomePod, there are countless third-party speaker alternatives with built-in AirPlay, such as Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge and JBL Link Portable.
AirPlay has yet to find its way into the vehicles, but I wouldn’t rule it out considering that many modern cars have built-in Wi-Fi (all Tesla models are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities). I would only warn Tesla owners not to get excited about this development. After all, Tesla stubbornly decided not to add CarPlay or Android Auto to any of its models despite the years that disgruntled electric vehicle owners applied for these apps.
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Tesla giving up AirPlay would not be a total loss. The sound systems of their vehicles are among the best on the market. In fact, I recently went with a Model 3 for the first time, and the refined but powerful sound of its speakers impressed this tech nerd more than the style or performance of the car. This shouldn’t have come as a surprise, given that Musk admitted that many Tesla audio engineers come from the luxury audio company Bang & Olufsen.
Your best bet for a car with both AirPlay and CarPlay could be the rumored Apple Car, which may or may not arrive in 2025 or later.