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Developer shows how to use Apple CarPlay in a Tesla by utilizing a Raspberry Pi

The Apple CarPlay interface in this Tesla Model 3 is streamed from a Raspberry Pi running on a custom version of Android (Image: Michał Gapiński)
The Apple CarPlay interface in this Tesla Model 3 is streamed from a Raspberry Pi running on a custom version of Android (Image: Michał Gapiński)
The rather sophisticated but still imperfect workaround that enables Apple CarPlay on Tesla's infotainment system may present technically inclined users with an experimental method to improve the connectivity between their iPhone and their electric car.

Apple CarPlay may be the most glaring omission in Tesla's otherwise great infotainment systems, which have recently received a significant upgrade powered by an AMD Ryzen chipset that delivers much improved performance in comparison to the previously used Intel Atom processors. However, iPhone users who would like to use their iOS apps directly on the large display in their Tesla are still out of luck unless they are technically inclined and would like to try out an exciting workaround which a Polish developer has now showcased.

According to a report by Tesla North, Michał Gapiński has managed to run the Apple CarPlay interface via the browser that is included in the infotainment system of a Tesla Model 3. To do so, he used the popular single-board computer Raspberry Pi and an additional LTE module as well as a Wi-Fi access point. Oddly enough, the Raspberry Pi supposedly runs on a custom build of Android, which connects to the iPhone and then basically streams Apple CarPlay to the aforementioned Tesla browser and provides access to apps like Apple Music and Apple Maps.

Gapiński said that he plans to release the results of his work to the public as soon as his CarPlay project is finished. But for the time being, the Polish developer still works on improving the Wi-Fi connection in order to improve the responsiveness and smoothness. He has further shared a video in which he showcases that the steering wheel buttons as well as touch screen are already compatible with his workaround. Since the Austin-based EV maker is not expected to officially support Apple CarPlay in its electric cars anytime soon, this workaround may eventually become a viable solution for iPhone owners who desperately want to use CarPlay in their Tesla.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 01 > Developer shows how to use Apple CarPlay in a Tesla by utilizing a Raspberry Pi
Enrico Frahn, 2022-01-18 (Update: 2022-01-18)