Tesla CarPlay delayed due to Apple Maps bug and iOS update issues
10:17 16-02-2026
Tesla delays CarPlay integration after Apple Maps bugs cause incorrect directions, linked to slow iOS 26.3 adoption. Learn why the launch is on hold.
The integration of CarPlay into Tesla vehicles seemed like a done deal: the company had reached the final testing phase and was preparing to welcome Apple into its ecosystem for the first time. However, the launch has been delayed again—and this time, the reason doesn’t lie with Tesla.
During testing, engineers uncovered a critical issue: Apple Maps, operating through CarPlay, provided incorrect instructions, particularly outside the United States. Since Tesla’s navigation system is integrated with its autopilot features, running two mapping services with conflicting guidance could confuse drivers. Developers reported the bugs to Apple, which promptly issued a fix—but only as part of the iOS 26.3 update.
This introduced a second hurdle. Although iOS 26 is installed on about 74% of current iPhones, users have been reluctant to upgrade to the latest builds. The reason is straightforward: the new Liquid Glass visual design, built around transparency effects, hasn’t resonated with everyone, leading some owners to stick with older versions.
Until the iOS update gains wider adoption, Tesla is hesitant to roll out CarPlay, fearing the risk of misalignment between the two navigation systems. As a result, the company has temporarily paused the project, waiting for users to migrate en masse to the current iOS version.
