TL;DR
Hidden code in the latest Tesla app suggests the company is building expanded phone‑key functionality that could integrate with Apple’s Wallet car key platform. Early implementation reportedly targets China via HarmonyOS, with native iPhone support possibly coming later.
What happened
Researchers examining the newest Tesla mobile app discovered code that points to broader phone‑key capability, potentially including support for Apple’s first‑party car key feature in Apple Wallet. A separate report from Not A Tesla App says the initial work seems aimed at the Chinese market and may leverage Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem; the report adds that native Apple and Android integrations could follow. Today, Tesla owners can use the Tesla app on iPhone and Apple Watch to unlock and operate their cars. If Tesla adds Wallet car‑key compatibility, owners would be able to manage keys from the Wallet app and use platform features such as UWB‑based proximity unlocking, tap‑to‑unlock, and NFC access without the Tesla app running in the foreground. Apple’s car‑key framework also supports limited post‑battery operation, allowing access for a set period after an iPhone’s battery is depleted.
Why it matters
- Native Wallet support would let Tesla owners use Apple’s built‑in car‑key tools without relying on the Tesla app.
- Platform integration could enable faster, backgroundless unlocking using UWB, NFC, and tap‑to‑unlock.
- Wallet sharing features (Messages, Mail, AirDrop) would make distributing digital car keys easier and more standardized.
- A China‑first rollout would follow Tesla’s recent pattern of introducing new features in that market before wider release.
Key facts
- Hidden strings and code in the latest Tesla app indicate work on expanded phone‑key support.
- Not A Tesla App reports the first implementation appears to target China and use Huawei’s HarmonyOS.
- Tesla currently supports using an iPhone and Apple Watch as a key through the Tesla app.
- Apple’s car‑key platform in Wallet can lock, start, and stop compatible vehicles and supports UWB, NFC, and tap‑to‑unlock in capable cars.
- Wallet car keys can be shared via Messages, Mail, and AirDrop according to Apple’s platform features.
- Apple’s car‑key system can allow access for up to five hours after an iPhone’s battery dies.
- Rivian recently delivered Apple car‑key support for its second‑generation R1T and R1S through a software update.
- Bloomberg has reported Tesla is working on CarPlay and could release it by the end of this year; Tesla has not publicly confirmed a Wallet car‑key rollout.
- Reports suggest Tesla often debuts new features in China before expanding to other markets.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation from Tesla that Apple Wallet car‑key support is being developed or tested (not confirmed in the source).
- Announcements about availability outside China and timing for broader rollouts (not confirmed in the source).
- Progress on Tesla’s CarPlay work after Bloomberg’s report that the company could launch it by year‑end.
Quick glossary
- Apple Wallet (Car Key): Apple’s platform that stores and manages digital vehicle keys, allowing locking, unlocking, and starting supported cars from the Wallet app.
- UWB (Ultra Wideband): A short‑range radio technology used for precise spatial awareness and secure proximity features like tap‑to‑unlock.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): A wireless standard for close‑range data exchange used for contactless unlocking and payments.
- HarmonyOS: Huawei’s operating system used on some devices in China and other markets.
Reader FAQ
Is Tesla definitely adding Apple Wallet car‑key support?
Code found in the Tesla app suggests the company is working on expanded phone‑key functionality that could include Apple Wallet, but Tesla has not publicly confirmed it.
Will the feature arrive outside China?
Not confirmed in the source.
What new capabilities would Wallet integration bring?
Integration could allow locking, starting, and stopping a car from Wallet, plus UWB, NFC, and tap‑to‑unlock features and key sharing via Messages, Mail, and AirDrop.
Does Apple’s car‑key work if the iPhone battery is dead?
According to Apple’s platform details cited in the report, car‑key access can remain available for up to five hours after an iPhone dies.
Here are six exciting Apple product launches to look forward to in 2026 Michael Burkhardt Dec 27 2025 IPHONE Tesla might be working on support for iPhone car key in…
Sources
- Tesla might be working on support for iPhone car key in Apple Wallet
- Tesla Could Be Planning to Support Apple Car Keys
- Tesla May Soon Add Apple Wallet Car Key Support
- Tesla may soon add support for Apple Wallet car key
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