Musk Confirms That Tesla Will Add Apple Watch Support in Future Update

Tesla is finally getting ready to release support for the Apple Watch and presumably Android wear devices. It’s anyone’s guess if development for smartwatches has been in the works or if the Tesla team found out at the same time as the rest of us. Despite this request being made several times before, Elon Musk recently responded to the request with a simple “Sure.” Although the response is short, Musk has a good record of delivering on items he has said “sure” or “okay” to on X/Twitter. A few examples are agreeing to add WiFi garage door support, a glovebox PIN feature, disabling mirror auto-dimming, and many others. When Musk responds to these requests, in all likelihood, they’re already on Tesla’s product roadmap.

The days of living in fear of your phone running out of juice and not having your key card may be numbered. X user @dani_elle831 described that exact situation: “well it finally happened. my phone died & I got locked out of my tesla thankfully the massage place let me use their phone & hubby unlocked it from his phone not sure why the car can’t be unlocked using an Apple Watch or other smart watch. any chance this could be incorporated @elonmusk?”

Sure

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2024

Phone Key Support on Watch?

One of the big advantages Apple Watch and Android Wear support could bring is the ability to use your watch as a vehicle key. From the context of the post on X, it’s not clear whether this will be included, as the post simply talks about unlocking the vehicle when you don’t have a working phone on you. It could mean having full-fledge key support on your watch, or simply being able to unlock and start the vehicle over the internet like you can already do through the app when you’re outside of Bluetooth range.

There’s no doubt that having ‘phone key’ support would be the best option, as it would work seamlessly and not require an internet connection, although it’s not clear what Tesla’s intentions are. Tesla has not added support for Apple’s CarKey and is unlikely to add it at this point. However, Tesla could add phone key support in the same method they already support on iPhones and Android devices.

Phone key leverages Bluetooth to unlock the vehicle when it’s nearby, and Tesla recently added ultra-wideband support, which brings even more precision to phone key. However, ultra-wideband is only available on newer devices, such as the iPhone 11 and later, some Samsung Galaxy 21 devices and later, as well as select other models. It also required a new Model 3, Cybertruck, or a newer Model S or X, with these sensors built in. Unfortunately, the previous generation Model 3 and the current Model Y do not include ultra-wideband support.

It is interesting to note that the Apple Watch has had ultra-wideband support since the Series 6, including the new Ultra models. Hopefully, we’ll be in for a treat and will see full phone key support through Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband, but either way, it seems like we’ll at long last be able to unlock the vehicle from our smartwatches in some form.

From Widgets to Watch Support

Tesla rolled out lock screen widget support on iPhones in app update 4.14, and we’re likely going to see these same lock screen widgets supported on the Apple Watch and possibly on Android Wear devices. Tesla has two lock screen widgets that display relevant vehicle information. The larger one displays the range left on the vehicle, the name of the vehicle and a progress bar showing the charge level. If you have more than one Tesla, you’ll need to choose which vehicle is displayed in the widget, however, you can have multiple instances of the same widget. There is also a smaller widget that is half the size and simply displays the vehicle’s state of charge. Both of these would adapt well to ‘complications’ on the Apple Watch..

Smartwatch Support Expectation

We don’t know what Tesla is developing and it could be anything from a full-fledged Tesla app for smartwatches that allows you to access most commands available in the Tesla app such as charging, unlocking, starting the climate, setting charge level (as shown in the concept above), and even include full phone key support. However, it could also be a slimmed-down app that introduces watch widgets and allows you to access the most important commands and information about the vehicle, such as seeing the vehicle’s range, unlocking it, and starting a charge. Smartwatch support has been a long time coming, and even if Tesla releases the latter, it will be a great addition.

Other Manufacturers

Tesla’s development of smartwatch apps is a welcome step, but surprisingly a step behind the competition, which is unlike Tesla in terms of software. Companies like Porsche, BMW, Dodge, Toyota, and Ford have already introduced support for smartwatches. These apps offer a range of features such as remote engine start and stop, door lock and unlock, car finder, vehicle status, and parking meter assistance.

Timing is Everything

Tesla’s consideration of a smartwatch app comes at an intriguing time, closely following Apple’s announcement to cancel its electric vehicle project, which would’ve competed directly with Tesla. It’s likely a coincidence, and it could have more to do with the recent addition of ultra-wideband, as this new tech provides significant improvements in energy usage and precision. We should find out more soon, so stay tuned.

Like 90% of trucks and SUVs, most Cybertruck will never leave the pavement. But Tesla is setting the stage for a significant upgrade that promises to elevate its off-road performance for the small group of owners that may actually get the Cybertruck a little dirty. The feature will be in an upcoming software update, confirmed by the lead Tesla Cybertruck engineer.

Upcoming Update

Traditionally, the acquisition of a vehicle came with a fixed set of features, with any upgrades necessitating physical modifications or replacements. However, Tesla has redefined this paradigm by implementing software-defined vehicles.

Yes, we have dual and tri and testing out both the mechanical lockers as well as E-Locker for Tri rear. Coming via OTA soon

— Wes (@wmorrill3) February 29, 2024

Tesla’s Cybertruck is undergoing rigorous testing to perfect the integration of locking differentials. Wes Morrill, Cybertruck Lead Engineer, revealed that the team is experimenting with both mechanical and electronic locking systems for the rear axles and will enable them in an upcoming software update. The fact that Tesla is already testing the feature in the Cybertruck means that it could be released imminently. at least if testing goes well.

The Mechanics of Locking Differentials

In vehicles, a differential allows wheels on an axle to rotate at different speeds, which is crucial for turning. However, in off-road scenarios, this can lead to a wheel spinning freely if it loses traction, limiting forward movement. Locking differentials solve this by forcing both wheels on an axle to move at the same speed, ensuring that power is efficiently directed to the wheel with better grip, enhancing off-road capability.

The driver can engage Locking differentials manually or automatically, adapting to changes in traction on the fly. Tesla’s Cybertruck is poised to feature electronic locking differentials, utilizing electromagnets or solenoids controlled by the vehicle’s software. This enables precise, dynamic adjustment to driving conditions, ensuring optimal traction across diverse terrains.

This technology represents a significant advancement in vehicle design, merging mechanical robustness with digital intelligence. By automatically detecting and responding to traction needs, the Cybertruck’s locking differentials will offer drivers a superior off-road experience, showcasing the potential of integrating software solutions with traditional automotive mechanisms for improved performance.

The electric hypercar realm is witnessing the beginning of an unbelievable hypercar rivalry. Up for grabs is the fastest production car in the world, which is also electric. In one corner is the reigning, defending hypercar champion, Rimac’s Nevera. In the other corner is Tesla’s forthcoming Roadster SpaceX Edition.

The Battle for Hypercar Hegemony

Elon Musk’s late-night revelations earlier this week have promised a next-generation Roadster that defies conventional automotive norms, particularly with hints at rocket thruster-enhanced performance that will launch the car from 0-60 mph in less than one second. His posts caught much attention, including those of Mate Rimac, CEO of Rimac Automobili.

..it is possible with thrusters. We did the simulation… – Mate Rimac

Rimac is a pivotal figure in the hypercar world, renowned for blending high performance with electric propulsion. When asked about Tesla’s audacious acceleration claim, he weighed in with a blend of technical insight and real-world pragmatism. His perspective is not just academic; it’s grounded in the tangible realities of engineering and physics that govern high-performance vehicles.

Fast but Heavy, Light but “Slow”

Rimac acknowledged the feasibility of Tesla’s target, citing thrusters as a viable means to surpass traditional acceleration benchmarks. However, he underscored the inherent trade-offs, noting the considerable weight of the necessary equipment—tanks, compressors, valves, and nozzles—that, while contributing to initial acceleration, become dead weight after that.

Rimac also points out another flaw: “Plus, the car has to be super light as otherwise, you can’t create a lot of excess downforce with the fans as the tires would be overloaded very fast with any kind of car with “normal supercar” weight, especially electric. And then again, you are carrying the weight with you when you are not doing 0-100. So thrusters are really the only way to go. But it brings a lot of downsides as well.”

Nevera, costing approximately $2.5 million, dominates the scene with more than 1,800 horsepower and its record-shattering performances, including an extraordinary 0-60 mph time of 1.74 seconds and a 0-400 km/h sprint in 21.31 seconds. When Nivera posted these incredible numbers, Musk was asked if the Roadster could beat the time and responded: lol.

lol

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2023

Beyond the Numbers

Rimac’s acknowledgment of the technical hurdles associated with Tesla’s approach does not detract from the potential impact of the Roadster. Instead, it adds a layer of credibility to the discussion, grounding it in the realities of automotive engineering. It’s a reminder that the quest for unparalleled acceleration involves balancing the thrill of speed with the practicalities of vehicle design and functionality.

This dialogue between Tesla and Rimac marks a significant moment in the EV industry. Tesla’s pursuit of the ultimate performance EV with the new Roadster places it in direct conversation with Rimac. This company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what electric hypercars can achieve. The interaction underscores a broader theme in the automotive world: the relentless pursuit of innovation, where companies like Tesla and Rimac are not just competing but also learning from each other.

With both companies poised to innovate further and redefine what’s possible, the rivalry between Tesla’s Roadster and Rimac’s Nevera is more than a contest of speed—it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation that drives the electric vehicle industry forward. The Roadster is to start deliveries in 2025. Odds are the first place it will be is on the track beside a Nevera!