Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak Criticizes Tesla’s User Interface as ‘Worst Ever’
Apple Legend Calls Out Tesla’s Technology Shortcomings
Steve Wozniak, the legendary co-founder of Apple, has publicly criticized Tesla’s user interface, calling it “the worst technology experience” he has encountered in recent years. The tech pioneer, known for his straightforward assessments of consumer technology, didn’t hold back in his evaluation of Tesla’s in-car software experience.
“As someone who has spent his life creating intuitive technology, Tesla’s interface represents everything we tried to avoid at Apple,” Wozniak reportedly said during a recent tech conference. “It’s unnecessarily complicated, distracting for drivers, and prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.”
Wozniak, affectionately known as “Woz” in the tech community, specifically highlighted how Tesla’s touch-based controls for essential functions create potential safety hazards for drivers who need to navigate multiple menu screens while operating their vehicles.
Tesla’s UI Problems: Form Over Function
According to Wozniak, Tesla’s approach to user interface design contradicts fundamental principles that made Apple products successful under his and Steve Jobs’ leadership. While Tesla has been praised for innovation in electric vehicle technology, its software interface has faced growing criticism from both average users and tech experts.
The specific issues Wozniak pointed out include:
– Burying essential driving controls within touch menus
– Frequent software updates that change familiar interfaces without warning
– Inconsistent response times that create frustration
– Prioritizing visual appeal over intuitive functionality
“When you’re driving, you need controls that are consistent, accessible, and don’t require taking your eyes off the road,” Wozniak explained. “Tesla seems to have forgotten that cars aren’t smartphones—they’re vehicles where interface mistakes can have serious consequences.”
Industry Implications and Tesla’s Response
Wozniak’s criticism comes at a time when automotive user interfaces are increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator in the industry. Traditional automakers have been working to balance digital innovation with practical usability, while tech-focused companies like Tesla have pushed toward more screen-centric experiences.
Tesla has not officially responded to Wozniak’s comments, though CEO Elon Musk has previously defended the company’s interface decisions on social media, suggesting that users quickly adapt to the system after an initial learning curve.
Industry analysts note that Wozniak’s comments reflect a growing tension between technology advancement and usability in modern vehicles. As cars become more computerized, the principles of user interface design become increasingly important for both convenience and safety.
The Apple Connection
Wozniak’s criticism carries particular weight given Apple’s own rumored development of autonomous vehicle technology. While Apple has never confirmed its “Project Titan” automotive initiatives, industry insiders believe the company has been exploring vehicle technology for years, with a focus on creating intuitive user experiences consistent with Apple’s design philosophy.
“If Apple does eventually enter the automotive space, you can bet they’ll approach the user interface with the same principles that made the iPhone revolutionary—simplicity, intuitiveness, and focus on the user,” said technology analyst Marcus Brennan. “Wozniak’s criticism of Tesla might give us hints about how Apple would approach vehicle interface design differently.”
As vehicles continue their transformation into computers on wheels, the debate over proper interface design is likely to intensify, with Wozniak’s comments adding significant weight to the conversation about how technology should serve drivers rather than complicate their experience.