Apple Podcasts coming to Tesla EVs in Holiday Update

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Apple Podcasts coming to Tesla EVs in Holiday Update
Apple Podcasts but not CarPlay.
Photo: Apple/Tesla

Tesla drivers will soon have access to the Apple Podcasts app to help keep them entertained on long drives.

It’s one of the changes coming in the 2023 Holiday Update, which the car-maker promises will roll out “next week.”

No CarPlay but Apple Podcasts on Tesla

Tesla refuses to add CarPlay to its vehicles, so you’re stuck with the company’s own infotainment system — which doesn’t have Apple Music or other apps iPhone users want.

But a version of the Apple Podcasts application will soon be available on a range of the company’s electric vehicles. A list posted late Thursday on X (formerly Twitter) of the features coming on the 2023 Holiday Update includes, “Apple Podcasts: Listen to millions of the world’s most popular podcasts.”

Premium Connectivity is required. That means a monthly subscription of $9.99.

Other new features in the update include games on the rear touchscreen, locations of speed cameras, automatic 911 calls after the airbags deploy, blindspot indicators, and High Fidelity Park Assist.

Apple Podcasts is the superior option

Apple played a crucial role in making podcasts into the global phenomena they are today. And that’s clear in the name: it’s a broadcast intended for iPod.

Today the iPod is long gone but the iPhone-maker’s Podcasts application is available on a wide variety of devices. Apple calls it “the best app for finding, following, and listening to millions of the world’s most popular podcasts.”

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