Tesla may soon support Apple’s car key feature in its vehicles, expanding how owners can use their iPhones and Apple Watches as digital keys. Hidden code in the latest Tesla app release suggests deeper integration with Apple’s Wallet-based car key platform is under development.
Hidden code hints at Apple integration
Recent analysis of the newest Tesla mobile app uncovered code fragments indicating an upcoming expansion of the phone key functionality. These references point toward native support for Apple’s Wallet car key solution rather than relying solely on Tesla’s own app.
China-focused rollout first
According to early reports, the first implementation appears to target the Chinese market and will rely on Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem. Tesla frequently debuts new software features in China before rolling them out to other regions, so broader availability is a likely next step.
How Tesla’s digital key works today
At the moment, Tesla owners can already use both iPhone and Apple Watch as digital keys, but this works exclusively through Tesla’s application. While functional, this setup is more limited than a system-level Wallet integration and typically depends on the app running in the foreground or background.
Benefits of Apple car key support
With Apple car key integration, locking, unlocking, starting, and shutting down the car could be handled directly from the Wallet app, without opening Tesla’s software. This would also unlock system-level technologies like Ultra Wideband for precise proximity detection, tap-to-unlock, and robust NFC-based access.
Sharing keys and low-battery operation
Apple Wallet allows digital car keys to be shared via messages, email, or AirDrop, making it easy to grant temporary or permanent access to other drivers. The system also supports a power reserve mode, enabling the key to function for up to five hours even after the iPhone’s battery appears depleted.
Industry context and rivals
Industry trends indicate Tesla cannot ignore Apple’s ecosystem for long, especially as user expectations grow around native phone key support. Rivian has already enabled Apple car key on its second-generation R1T and R1S models via software update, raising the competitive pressure on Tesla.
Unclear future for CarPlay
One major unknown is whether deeper Wallet integration will be accompanied by in-car Apple CarPlay support in Tesla’s infotainment system. A recent report suggested Tesla is actively working on CarPlay integration and could ship it as early as the end of the year, while rivals like Rivian and GM still refuse to support Apple’s in-car platform.
