Just a week after Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk – celebrated by some as a “bright green light” for the company’s push into the future – the automaker is back in headlines for a mix of surprises, setbacks, and stock turbulence.
Here’s where things stand for the Austin-based EV giant.
Apple CarPlay on the Horizon?
Tesla engineers are currently working on Apple CarPlay integration, which could be available in the coming months, although the timing is uncertain, reported Bloomberg News.
Tesla has historically favored its own infotainment system, which includes built-in navigation, media apps, and links to Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok. Drivers can stream Apple Music or Spotify directly, but full smartphone compatibility has never been part of the package. With competitors like Ford, GM, and Hyundai treating CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment, industry pressure has been building.
Early signs suggest Tesla’s version wouldn’t replace its entertainment interface entirely. Instead, CarPlay may live in a dedicated “window” within Tesla’s software, allowing the company to maintain control over the main system.
Neither Tesla nor Apple has commented publicly. Still, the move could appeal to iPhone owners who’ve long wanted better integration in their Teslas.
Fire Safety Concerns: Tesla Recalls 10,500 Battery Units
Tesla also announced a recall of approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 home batteries in the United States due to fire risks.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 22 reports of overheating involving the lithium-ion cells in the battery units. No injuries have been reported, but the potential for smoke or further vehicle damage is a listed threat.
Tesla is temporarily limiting charge levels on affected systems to 80% as a fix and will replace units at no cost.
The Powerwall 2 has become a core product in Tesla’s growing residential energy business, designed to store solar power or provide backup power during outages.
Stocks Fall, but Analysts Aren’t too Worried
Tesla’s stock has had a rough week, dropping around 10% since the shareholder approval of Musk’s pay package.
Shares fell more than 2% Friday morning, dipping below $400 for the first time since mid-September, after a 6.6% slide the previous day – Tesla’s worst single-day drop since late July, per YahooFinance.
Still, some analysts remain upbeat about the company’s outlook.
Wedbush’s Dan Ives, speaking at a recent Yahoo Finance event, argued the pay package clears the way for Tesla’s future. His view: Tesla’s future hinges less on vehicle sales and more on autonomous driving and AI programs.