Tesla has asked Apple to fix a software bug that has halted progress in rolling out Apple CarPlay to its vehicles – but not enough iPhone users are using the latest iOS, which fixes the problem.
Accordingly BloombergTesla discovered that the maps it uses for its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software – with FSD (Supervised) enabled in Australia and New Zealand last year – were not compatible with Apple Maps.
The issue means that both companies’ mapping systems may be running at the same time, potentially resulting in the driver following different directions to the vehicle when using Autopilot or FSD.
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Apple responded to Tesla’s request by fixing the problem in the latest version of its smartphone software, iOS 26, but loudly Bloomberg The slow rollout of new software has hindered Tesla’s full rollout of CarPlay.
Originally expected to be released in late 2025, the report suggests Tesla backed off due to concerns about the low number of customers using the compatible software.
The good news for owners is that demand has increased since Tesla decided to take a pause in late 2025. Apple’s latest figures, released last week, say 74 percent of iPhones over the past four years have switched to iOS 26.
Tesla has not officially confirmed when Apple CarPlay will be available in its vehicles. Initial reports last November suggested the electric vehicle maker would add the feature without specifying a time frame.
There was no word on the launch of rival smartphone mirroring system Android Auto.
The change would see Tesla join the ranks of automakers offering Apple CarPlay, as the company is one of the few brands – including US electric vehicle maker Rivian (not available in Australia) – that do not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility in their infotainment systems.
MORE: Tesla Australia is moving to a subscription-only model for full self-driving
