Tesla officially unveils Apple Watch app, now available

Tesla has officially announced and revealed its forthcoming app for Apple Watch, and it’s available now.

To start, the official Tesla app on Apple Watch will act as a key, frunk opener, and climate control activator. The watchOS app will also show battery charge level independent of the iPhone.

It’s the first feature, key access, that will especially be useful for Apple Watch users. While the iPhone has always been a key, it’s common to leave the iPhone in the car while working out with Apple Watch. The upcoming watch app enables that capability without leaving the car unlocked.

Tesla announced the Apple Watch app as part of this year’s holiday update. Other updates coming to iPhone users include the ability to view and share video footage from the mobile app and scheduling light shows from the iPhone app.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded positively on X back in March when asked if the company might develop an Apple Watch app. Evidence that the app was actually happening surfaced in October.

Here’s how it looks:

While the Apple Watch app is out now, you’ll still need to wait for the holiday update from Tesla to arrive in your car before key functionality can work:

psa: Apple Watch as a key feature will need the holiday update in your Tesla before it can work

— Zac Hall (@apollozac) December 3, 2024

Tesla for Apple Watch requires watchOS 11. That means these models are supported:

• Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Series 10 is the latest model. The new hardware includes the largest displays, the thinnest design, and much more. See the 9to5Mac review here. Need an Apple Watch charger for your Tesla? This compact travel option is a great fit.

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