In potential reversal, Tesla may heed customer request for Apple support

Carmaker reportedly testing out tech giant’s software, which chief exec has long refused.

- BY MARK GURMAN AND ED LUDLOW

DAVID PAUL MORRIS Bloomberg SOME EV SHOPPERS say it would be a deal-breaker not to have Apple CarPlay or the Android equivalent.

Tesla Inc. is developing support for Apple Inc.'s CarPlay system in its vehicles, according to people with knowledge of the matter, working to add one of the features most highly requested by customers.

The carmaker has started testing the capability internally, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the effort is still private. The CarPlay platform — long supported by other automakers — shows users a version of the iPhone's software that is optimized for vehicle infotainment systems. It’s considered a must-have option by many drivers.

Adding CarPlay would mark a stunning reversal for Tesla and Chief Executive Elon Musk, who long ignored pleas to implement the popular feature. Musk has criticized Apple for years, particularly its App Store policies, and was angered by the company's poaching of his engineers when it set out to build its own car.