- A new report says Tesla will finally add Apple CarPlay to its vehicles, but not Android Auto
- The move comes as General Motors moves away from Apple’s system
Bloomberg reports that Tesla will add Apple’s CarPlay phone projection system to its cars, a move the company has long resisted. Citing “people with knowledge of the matter,” the news service claims Tesla will allow CarPlay to function in a small window within its infotainment display, rather than taking over the screen as it does in many cars.
Related: What is Apple CarPlay?
The company is not planning to do the same with the rival Android Auto system, Bloomberg reports.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto each essentially mirror a phone’s screen on a car’s screen, letting drivers stream entertainment and navigation from their phones in the car. They can also read text messages and let drivers respond to them with voice commands.
Most cars for sale this year feature both systems, but a handful of automakers have resisted adding them to their cars. General Motors has said it will remove them from future models. The company will create its own equivalent in their place.
The reluctant automakers are likely concerned with how much data Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can collect on their users. Apple and Android parent Alphabet could track users’ driving and listening habits through the systems. Some automakers would rather collect that data themselves so that they can monetize it instead.
Data privacy is a growing concern for drivers, as studies have found security practices at car companies severely lacking. Some have even found themselves in legal trouble for the amount of data they collect and sell.
