Tesla has officially announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated Tesla Apple Watch app, a move that transforms the popular smartwatch into a full-fledged car key for Tesla vehicles. This highly anticipated feature is part of Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update and marks another step in seamless integration between technology and electric vehicles.
A Timeline of Anticipation
Back in March 2024, Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at the possibility of Apple Watch integration for Tesla cars. Several months later, tech enthusiasts noticed references to the Apple Watch within the Tesla app’s code, fueling speculation. Finally, the automaker confirmed its plans to roll out the watchOS Tesla app through an over-the-air (OTA) update, starting in early December.
Key Features of the Tesla Apple Watch App
The app brings several core functionalities to the user’s wrist, enhancing convenience and control:
- Battery Monitoring: Check the current charge level of your Tesla.
- Frunk Access: Remotely open the car’s front trunk (frunk).
- Climate Control: Enable and adjust the car’s internal temperature remotely.
- Phone Key Integration: The Apple Watch can now function as a digital car key to unlock, lock, and even start the vehicle.
How the Phone Key Works
The digital car key feature is the most significant addition. It operates using Bluetooth technology, allowing the car to recognize and unlock as the owner approaches.
- Walk-Away Door Lock: When the authenticated watch moves away from the car, the doors automatically lock.
- Offline Functionality: Once a device is registered as a trusted phone key, it doesn’t require internet connectivity to function.
- Device Limitations: For safety, Tesla limits the number of active phone keys per car. For example, the Tesla Model 3 supports up to three simultaneous phone keys.
This functionality is similar to the Apple Wallet’s digital key feature, which enables NFC-based unlocking for homes, hotels, and select car models from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia. However, Tesla has not specified whether its watchOS app will support NFC in addition to Bluetooth.
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Additional Updates in the Holiday Release
The Apple Watch app is just one of the exciting features arriving in Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update. Other enhancements include:
- Dashcam and Sentry Mode:
- View and save video clips recorded by your car’s cameras locally.
- This makes reviewing security footage easier for Tesla owners.
- Destination Charging Levels:
- Users can now specify desired battery levels for when they arrive at their destinations.
- Weather Insights on Maps:
- A new precipitation layer helps users assess weather conditions before starting a trip.
- Cross-Traffic Alerts:
- In reverse mode, the vehicle will issue visual and audible alerts if it detects a pedestrian or vehicle crossing behind.
- Playful Features:
- Tesla has introduced a fun “Emissions” prank feature, where the car plays a fart sound upon detecting seat contact. Users can also trigger it manually via the scroll wheel.
The Bigger Picture: Tesla’s Evolving Ecosystem
Tesla continues to set benchmarks in the EV market with its innovative approach to technology. The Apple Watch integration represents the company’s focus on user convenience and connectivity.
- This update aligns with Tesla’s broader ecosystem improvements, such as refining safety features, enhancing in-car entertainment, and optimizing energy management.
Tesla Watch App vs. Competitors
The integration of the Apple Watch app puts Tesla on par with other luxury automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which already support NFC-based key functionality through Apple Wallet. Tesla’s approach to leveraging Bluetooth for unlocking and operational control, however, distinguishes it by offering offline reliability and faster interactions.
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Pricing and Availability
The Tesla Apple Watch app will be available as a free update for all Tesla owners with compatible vehicles. The OTA update begins rolling out next week, with full availability expected before the end of December.
FAQ’s
What is the Tesla Apple Watch app?
The Tesla Apple Watch app lets users control their cars directly from their Apple Watch, including unlocking, starting, and managing key features.
What features does the Tesla Apple Watch app offer?
Key features include:
Battery charge monitoring
Remote climate control
Frunk (front trunk) access
Use of the watch as a digital car key
How does the digital car key feature work?
The car key functionality uses Bluetooth to recognize the watch and unlock the car as the user approaches. It works offline once authenticated.
Does the Tesla Apple Watch app support NFC?
Tesla hasn’t specified NFC support for the watchOS app. However, other brands use NFC for unlocking through the Apple Wallet.
What other updates are included in the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update?
The update adds Dashcam video saving, destination battery level customization, precipitation maps, cross-traffic alerts, and playful features like a prank emissions sound.
Is the Tesla Apple Watch app free to use?
Yes, the app is free for Tesla owners and will be included in the 2024 Holiday Update via an over-the-air (OTA) update.
Which Tesla models are compatible with the Apple Watch app?
The app is compatible with all Tesla vehicles that support digital car keys.
How many devices can be registered as digital keys?
Tesla limits the number of active phone or watch keys per vehicle to three for safety.
When will the Tesla Apple Watch app be available?
The app will roll out as part of the OTA update starting next week, with full deployment by the end of December.
What is the Walk-Away Door Lock feature?
This feature automatically locks the car doors when the paired watch moves out of Bluetooth range.
Can I save Dashcam videos directly from the watch?
No, but you can save and review videos recorded by the car’s cameras via Tesla’s in-car system.
Is the Tesla Apple Watch app secure?
Yes, the app requires authentication during setup and uses encrypted communication for safety.