Tesla recently confirmed the arrival of an official Apple Watch app as part of its 2024 Holiday Update, rolling out next week via over-the-air (OTA) update. This integration, hinted at by Elon Musk earlier this year and later discovered by code sleuths within the Tesla app, offers convenient control and access features directly from your wrist.
Apple Watch App Features
The Apple Watch app will provide Tesla owners with a range of functionalities, including:
- Battery Level Monitoring: Check your Tesla’s current battery charge at a glance.
- Frunk Access: Remotely open the front trunk (frunk) of your vehicle.
- Climate Control: Activate and adjust the climate control system to pre-heat or cool your car.
- Phone Key Functionality: Lock, unlock, and start your Tesla directly from your Apple Watch.
The phone key feature mirrors the existing smartphone functionality, using Bluetooth signals to communicate with the vehicle. This allows for seamless unlocking as you approach the car and automatic locking as you walk away, thanks to the Walk-Away Door Lock system. Once authenticated, these features function even without internet connectivity.
Digital car key in Apple Wallet app.Apple Watch app as a digital key
Tesla limits the number of registered phone keys for security reasons. For instance, the Model 3 only permits up to three phone keys simultaneously. While Tesla supports NFC-based car unlocking via key cards, the announcement doesn’t specify whether the Apple Watch app will utilize Bluetooth, NFC, or both. Interestingly, Apple Watch’s Wallet app already supports storing digital keys for various access points like homes, hotels, cars, and scooters using NFC technology, a feature already adopted by car manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia.
Additional Holiday Update Features
Beyond the Apple Watch integration, the Holiday Update brings several other enhancements:
- Dashcam/Sentry Mode Clip Saving: Watch and save locally clips recorded by your car’s cameras.
- Destination Charging Levels: Set desired battery charging levels upon arrival at your destination.
- Precipitation Information: Check real-time precipitation conditions on the in-car map.
- Reverse Safety Alerts: Receive audible and visual alerts for pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind you while reversing.
- Emissions Feature (Fun): A playful addition that automatically emits a “fart” sound upon seat contact, also manually activatable via the left scroll wheel.
Conclusion
Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update delivers significant improvements to user experience, headlined by the highly anticipated Apple Watch integration. The added convenience and control offered by the watch app, combined with enhanced safety features and fun additions, demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The OTA update begins rolling out next week, bringing these exciting new features to Tesla owners.
