Electric Vehicle Maker Polestar Announces CarPlay Support - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Electric Vehicle Maker Polestar Announces CarPlay Support

Volvo-backed electric vehicle maker Polestar today announced that the latest over-the-air update for the Polestar 2 adds CarPlay support, allowing iPhone users to conveniently access commonly used apps from the dashboard, complete with Siri control.

Polestar CarPlay
The addition of CarPlay in the Polestar 2 is interesting given that the vehicle's infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive, which is a full-stack operating system running directly on the in-vehicle hardware. Android Automotive is not to be confused with Google's similarly-named CarPlay competitor Android Auto.

In a tweet, Polestar said the over-the-air software update is rolling out to customers incrementally, and noted that the update is also available for installation at Polestar workshops. It's unclear when the rollout will be completed.

CarPlay is available in over 600 vehicle models from dozens of automakers, according to Apple, but some of the most popular electric vehicle brands like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors have yet to support the feature in their vehicles.


At WWDC 2022 earlier this month, Apple previewed the "next generation" of CarPlay, which includes support for multiple displays in a vehicle and direct integration with a vehicle's speedometer, fuel gauge, climate controls for A/C and heat, and more.

Apple said the first vehicles to support the new CarPlay experience will be announced in late 2023, with committed automakers including Ford, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, Honda, Acura, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Nissan, Volvo, Porsche, and more. Apple said it would share additional information about the new CarPlay experience in the future.

Related Roundup: CarPlay

Popular Stories

8 CarPlay Features in iOS 27 Feature

Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:17 am PDT by
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's how the new features pan out. Works in Any CarPlay Vehicle Custom widgets: In iOS 27, CarPlay is no longer limited to Apple's handful ...
Twelve South AirFly Drive

New 'AirFly Drive' Accessory Turns Wired CarPlay Into Wireless CarPlay

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:08 pm PDT by
Twelve South, a well-known accessory maker for Apple products, has released a new AirFly Drive accessory that turns wired CarPlay into wireless CarPlay. AirFly Drive uses Wi-Fi to establish a connection between your iPhone and vehicle, eliminating the need to use a USB-C cable for CarPlay. Priced at $39.99 in the U.S., the AirFly Drive plugs into a USB data port in your vehicle. The...
Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become Completely Obsolete Feature

GM Wants You to Know It Still Plans to Ditch Apple CarPlay in Future EVs

Monday September 21, 2026 12:32 pm PDT by
Recent reports claiming that General Motors is reversing course on its controversial plans to ditch CarPlay in its future EVs appear to be incorrect. As noted by Joanna Stern, host of the YouTube channel New Things, a GM spokesperson has confirmed that its new software interface that shows CarPlay or Android Auto alongside its own native system in 2027 models of its Chevrolet Silverado and...

Top Rated Comments

56 months ago
if only tesla would follow suit with their barebones, buggy ui that breaks something with every update.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
56 months ago
When Polestar was on the horizon, I thought it might be interesting to consider. I’m not a huge Tesla fan and wouldn’t mind seeing a viable competitor in the space.

When I found out it was not just running Android Auto, but the whole software stack was Google, I lost interest. I don’t need Google in my car.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mark-in-mk Avatar
56 months ago
I own a Polestar 2 in the UK. I chose it over a Tesla because the build quality is miles higher and the interior is much more traditional than the screen first based approach. Im happy nearer the leading edge than the bleeding edge.
I've had it about 4 months, have had zero problems, and the range always exceeds what they claim - very unusual.
As for charging - It can easily fast charge on high voltage chargers, and get from 15% to 90% in about 25 mins. that gives me over 200 miles, without thinking of driving economically, or turning anything like the AC off.
At home I use my 7.5KW charger and go from 20% to 90% on a 6 hour charge during cheap rates at night.
I dont work for Polestar, but I would recommend one if you are in the market.
That said - I'll give it a few days to let other owners install the Car Play update and see how it goes for them before I dive in.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
56 months ago

The Lucid Air is out now. I was surprised to run across one in a parking lot last week. Good looking car.
Saw Lucid Vehicle Parked in front of Steve Jobs's house. It looks pretty neat and futuristic.

Attachment Image
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
56 months ago
The size of those bezels makes me think they just slapped an HP Touchpad on the dash and called it a day.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
56 months ago

I'm guessing, grasping at straws.
Volvo already blew through their federal tax credits, tax refund credit for EV was limited to certain production #'s.
New company Polestar, resets that to zero. So customers can get tax credit and it makes their cars less expensive and more competitive.
Wild speculation on my part.
I don’t think the U.S. tax credits has anything to do with it.
Here’s a few other reasons:
1. Branding. Volvo is known for security and well, rather boring cars. Polestar isn’t an entirely new brand from Volvo, but has been used in the past for their more sporty and fun initiatives.
2. Sales model. Unlike Volvos, Polestars aren’t sold through dealerships. Instead, just like Tesla, they are sold directly to customers without any middle hands.

So the whole idea is to create a bit more freedom without any of the Volvo baggage. While still being able to use all the tech and experience of Volvo.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
9 hours ago
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
10 hours ago
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
12 hours ago
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
12 hours ago
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
13 hours ago
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
14 hours ago
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
14 hours ago
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
14 hours ago
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
16 hours ago
Amazon Unveils New iPad Rivals With Alexa+ and Google Play
Amazon Unveils New iPad Rivals With Alexa+ and Google Play
17 hours ago
Missed Prime Day? You Can Still Score Big on Apple Devices Today
Missed Prime Day? You Can Still Score Big on Apple Devices Today
18 hours ago
Apple's Cheapest 16-Inch MacBook Pro Just Got a Massive $563 Discount on Amazon
Apple's Cheapest 16-Inch MacBook Pro Just Got a Massive $563 Discount on Amazon
18 hours ago
Apple Still Expected to Announce Three New Products on October 13
Apple Still Expected to Announce Three New Products on October 13
18 hours ago
Leaker Jon Prosser Pushes Back as Apple Seeks His YouTube Data
Leaker Jon Prosser Pushes Back as Apple Seeks His YouTube Data
19 hours ago
iPhone Air 2 Could Be as Thin as an Unfolded iPhone Duo
iPhone Air 2 Could Be as Thin as an Unfolded iPhone Duo
21 hours ago
New iPad Mini Rumored to Have 60Hz OLED Display Ahead of Launch
New iPad Mini Rumored to Have 60Hz OLED Display Ahead of Launch
15 minutes ago
Gurman: OLED MacBook Pro Won't Be 'Significantly Thinner'
Gurman: OLED MacBook Pro Won't Be 'Significantly Thinner'
1 day ago
Microsoft Launches $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra to Take on MacBook Pro
Microsoft Launches $2,599 Surface Laptop Ultra to Take on MacBook Pro
1 day ago
Google's SynthID AI Detector is Now Available to Everyone
Google's SynthID AI Detector is Now Available to Everyone
1 day ago
ChatGPT Gets GPT-6 and New Intelligent UI With Visual Answers
ChatGPT Gets GPT-6 and New Intelligent UI With Visual Answers
1 day ago
Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today
Get AirPods Pro 3 for $179, Apple Watch for $199, and More Before Prime Day Ends Today
1 day ago
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability
Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 Score 4/10 for Repairability
1 day ago
Apple Launches Creative Labs Program With The King's Trust
Apple Launches Creative Labs Program With The King's Trust
1 day ago
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation
Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation
2 days ago
Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support
Boston's MBTA Testing New Charlie Card With Apple Wallet Support
2 days ago
Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet
Manchester's Bee Card Now Fully Supported in Apple Wallet
2 days ago
You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day
You Can Get Up to $149 Off Every New Mac Mini During Prime Day
2 days ago
Best Buy Takes $260 Off All iPhone Air Models During Techtober Sale
Best Buy Takes $260 Off All iPhone Air Models During Techtober Sale
2 days ago
The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More
The Best Anker Prime Day Deals: Score Big on MagSafe Chargers and More
2 days ago
12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October
12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October
2 days ago