Tesla has pushed out a new update to its iOS app, introducing a redesigned Charging tab and several new power-management options aimed at giving owners more control over how their vehicle consumes energy when parked, as well as a refreshed interface for viewing your most recent Supercharging session.
Version 4.50.5, released Thursday afternoon, brings a new Charging tab to the main page of the app, which consolidates charge settings, stats, and charging-related preferences into a single view. Owners can adjust their charge limit, schedule charging times, review recent charging history, and manage payment methods from one page.
The interface also surfaces more session data, including kWh delivered, session duration, and the amount of charging credits used, if applicable.
A “Rate Session” button lets users provide feedback directly through the app, feeding into Tesla’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Supercharger network experience.
Alongside the UI changes, Tesla has introduced two new toggles: Low Power Mode and Keep Accessory Power On. Previously, these newly introduced features were only accessible via the main display inside the vehicle.
Low Power Mode is designed to reduce idle energy consumption when the car is parked. According to Tesla’s in-app explainer, activating the feature automatically disables several systems known to draw standby power, including Sentry Mode, accessory power, Keep Climate On, Camp Mode, scheduled preconditioning, and Cabin Overheat Protection. Tesla notes that even with Low Power Mode enabled, basic functions like vehicle connectivity and app interactions continue to work, though drivers may notice quicker battery decline in cold weather.
Interestingly, some features behave differently while the vehicle is actively charging. Sentry Mode and accessory power remain available during charging, while climate-related modes only re-enable when Supercharging.
The second toggle, Keep Accessory Power On, allows USB ports and low-voltage outlets to remain powered after the driver exits the vehicle. This can be useful for powering dash cams or charging devices — though Tesla cautions that it consumes additional energy even when nothing is plugged in. Tesla has quietly removed this ability in late 2024, then added it back with more controls earlier this year.
Tesla has also refined the way the app displays recent charging activity. Users can now view a more detailed breakdown of their last session, complete with a location map, car image, and clearly labeled session stats.
While this update doesn’t introduce any headline-grabbing features, it delivers meaningful quality-of-life improvements for owners who want clearer control over their vehicle’s power consumption — and better insight into their charging sessions – two small but welcome refinements.
