Tesla Tinkerers Get CarPlay and AirPlay Running Natively

Two developers have demonstrated native Apple CarPlay and AirPlay functionality on Tesla vehicles, bypassing the need for external hardware or browser-based workarounds.

What Happened

Michał Gapiński, known for the Tesla Android Project, and Maciej Wilczyński showcased implementations running directly on an AMD Ryzen-powered infotainment system. The modifications were enabled by a custom environment created by @CoilShift. Gapiński described the result as the world’s first native CarPlay implementation in a Tesla, noting that the process took over five years. Unlike previous solutions that relied on a Raspberry Pi and a browser, this version operates as a dedicated app within the car’s software. Gapiński stated, “No dongles, no browser. Bare metal, butter smooth.”

The demonstration showed a CarPlay icon in the app launcher alongside native Tesla applications. When activated, CarPlay appears as a native window on the right side of the display while Tesla’s vehicle controls remain on the left. The interface includes full support for Phone, Messages, Apple Music, Podcasts, and third-party apps such as Google Maps, ChatGPT, and Grok. Gapiński confirmed that Siri functions through the car’s onboard microphones and that lossless audio is supported. Additionally, the cabin’s ambient lighting was shown reacting to music played via Apple Music.

Wilczyński demonstrated AirPlay functionality, which allows the Tesla screen to act as an external display for a MacBook, iPhone, or iPad. In the video, an AirPlay app in the dock waits for a connection, after which the user selects the Tesla screen from their device’s display settings. Wilczyński noted that the current preview has black borders around the image, but the final version is expected to fill the entire screen. He also mentioned that despite rumors of official support, he found no existing code plumbing for AirPlay in the firmware, indicating the feature was built from scratch.

Why It Matters

These demonstrations prove that native integration of Apple’s ecosystem features is technically feasible on Tesla’s current hardware, offering a smoother user experience than previous workarounds. For owners waiting on official support, this highlights the potential performance and integration quality of a native solution, including full-screen modes and synchronized ambient lighting. However, neither developer has confirmed if these features will be available to other owners, as they currently run in a modified environment similar to the one used for Tesla’s hidden Automations feature.

Tesla has reportedly been working on an official CarPlay port for some time, with reports suggesting collaboration with Apple to sync Apple Maps with Full Self-Driving. Apple is also adding AirPlay support to CarPlay, and Tesla’s official implementation is expected to include this capability. While the tinkerers’ work provides a glimpse into what is possible, the official rollout remains pending.

The Bottom Line

Tesla owners can now see a functional native CarPlay and AirPlay implementation through developer mods, though official support from Tesla is still anticipated. Reports indicate that Tesla’s own version is expected to launch with the Holiday Update this year. Until then, the community’s primary question remains unchanged, as summarized by Gapiński: “@Tesla when?”