Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has voiced strong criticism against Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, particularly regarding the user experience of Tesla’s electric vehicles. In a recent interview with CNBC, Wozniak shared his frustration over what he sees as a decline in user-friendliness, calling out the complicated touchscreen interface and impractical menu navigation.
Tesla’s User Experience Under Fire
Wozniak specifically pointed out an incident where his wife struggled to access essential vehicle documents due to Tesla’s reliance on a digitally controlled glove compartment. According to him, such design choices make simple tasks unnecessarily difficult. Expressing his exasperation, he remarked, “Nothing makes sense in this car.”
His concerns highlight broader frustrations some consumers have with Tesla’s approach to vehicle interfaces. While the company has been a pioneer in electric car technology, its reliance on touchscreens and software-driven controls has drawn criticism for reducing accessibility and ease of use.
Criticism of Elon Musk’s Leadership
Beyond the technical issues, Wozniak also criticized Musk’s leadership style. He accused the billionaire of being out of touch with reality and likened his management approach to that of a “schoolyard bully.” A significant point of contention for Wozniak is Musk’s influence on U.S. government operations, particularly within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He condemned Musk’s handling of the department, describing his aggressive layoffs as a “sledgehammer approach” that lacks strategic effectiveness.
Social Media Frustrations
Tesla was not the only target of Wozniak’s criticism—he also took aim at Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). The Apple co-founder revealed that his own account has been suspended for months, possibly as a result of his outspoken remarks about Tesla. Despite multiple attempts to have his account reinstated, Wozniak has been unable to regain access, further fueling his criticism of Musk’s influence over digital platforms.
Tesla’s Challenges Amid Declining Sales
Wozniak’s comments come at a challenging time for Tesla. The company has faced declining sales, increasing competition in the electric vehicle market, and growing concerns about its brand image. While Musk continues to push for innovation, critics argue that some of Tesla’s design and business decisions may be alienating customers.
With a prominent tech figure like Wozniak voicing strong disapproval, Tesla’s approach to both its products and leadership may come under further scrutiny. Whether the company will address these concerns or continue down its current path remains to be seen.
