TeslaPhoto: Robert Alexander (Getty Images)
Tesla may one day bring Apple technology into the cab of its electric cars. Before I go any further: CarPlay is not coming to save you from using the Tesla operating system. Rather, the carmaker is discussing ways to improve its already excellent sound system by using AirPlay instead of Bluetooth.
Twitter user ShibaDoge suggested last week that Tesla use AirPlay for lossless audio streaming. Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded by saying he would discuss the idea (and other improvements) with Tesla’s audio engineering team.
AirPlay is a wireless communication protocol created by Apple that allows you to stream audio, video and other data from one device to another via Wi-Fi. Although AirPlay is its own standard, it may be licensed by third parties; if you don’t want a HomePod, there are countless alternatives to third-party speakers with built-in AirPlay, including Bowers & Wilkins Formation Wedge and JBL Link Portable.
AirPlay has not yet found its way into vehicles, but I would not rule it out, given that many modern cars have built-in Wi-Fi (all Tesla models are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities). I would just warn Tesla owners not to worry about this development. After all, Tesla stubbornly decided not to add CarPlay or Android Auto to any of its models, despite years of disgruntled EV owners demanding these applications.
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Tesla’s abandonment of AirPlay would not be a complete loss. The sound systems in his vehicles are some of the best on the market. In fact, I recently rode a Model 3 for the first time, and the sophisticated but powerful sound from its speakers impressed this technologist more than the style or performance of the car. This should come as no surprise, given that Musk acknowledged that many Tesla audio engineers come from the luxury audio company Bang & Olufsen.
Your best bet for a car with both AirPlay and CarPlay may be the very common Apple Car, which may or may not arrive until 2025 or at any time thereafter.
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