Tesla Tinkerers Get CarPlay and AirPlay Running Natively [VIDEOS]

Two prominent developers have successfully implemented native Apple CarPlay and AirPlay functionality on Tesla vehicles, bypassing the need for external hardware. The demonstration highlights a potential path for official software integration, even as Tesla owners await the company’s own version of CarPlay.

What Happened

Michał Gapiński and Maciej Wilczyński showcased CarPlay and AirPlay running directly on a Tesla’s infotainment system, specifically an AMD Ryzen-powered unit modified with a custom environment enabled by @CoilShift. Gapiński, known for the Tesla Android Project, described this as the world’s first native CarPlay implementation in a Tesla, achieved after five years of development. Unlike previous workarounds that relied on Raspberry Pi devices and browser interfaces, this solution operates as a dedicated app built into the car’s software. In video demonstrations, a CarPlay icon appears in the app launcher alongside native Tesla apps, allowing users to access the full interface, including third-party apps like Google Maps and ChatGPT, while retaining vehicle controls on the left side of the screen. Gapiński confirmed that Siri functions via the car’s onboard microphones, lossless audio is supported, and cabin ambient lighting can react to music played through Apple Music. Separately, Wilczyński demonstrated AirPlay functionality, allowing a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad to use the Tesla screen as an external display. He noted that while the current preview shows black borders, the final version is intended to fill the entire screen.

Why It Matters

This technical breakthrough suggests that Tesla’s hardware is capable of supporting native Apple protocols without the latency or interface compromises associated with previous dongle-based solutions. For owners, it raises the possibility that Tesla’s official implementation could offer a seamless, high-performance experience. Wilczyński’s observation that there is no existing plumbing for AirPlay in the current firmware indicates that Tesla may need to develop these features from scratch, rather than simply enabling hidden code. The demonstration serves as a proof of concept for the smoothness and integration level users can expect from the company’s upcoming official release, which is reportedly being developed in collaboration with Apple to keep Apple Maps synchronized with Full Self-Driving.

The Bottom Line

While neither developer has confirmed if these specific modifications will be available to all owners, the project demonstrates that native CarPlay and AirPlay are technically feasible on current Tesla hardware. Tesla’s official CarPlay support is still expected to arrive with this year’s Holiday Update, leaving many owners asking when the feature will finally be standard.