After years of looking at the same Tesla mobile app, the automaker has finally released a new version with a fresh new design. The update also brings with it a number of new features and options to the mobile app experience.
If the update hasn’t appeared for you yet, keep refreshing your phone – here is a direct link.
Here are the new features and capabilities of the app according to the release notes on the Apple App Store (version 4.0.0). The new version has not yet appeared on the Google Play Store.
- Refreshed vehicle and energy homepage
- Streamlined Summon experience
- Enhanced phone key support – vehicle no longer needs to be selected
- Send commands to vehicle immediately upon opening app
- Use Go Off-Grid to seamlessly disconnect your home from the Grid with Powerwall
- Shop the Tesla catalog and view and manage your orders (available in select countries)
- View Supercharging history and ability to pay outstanding Supercharging or service balance (available in select countries)
Digging in to the app reveals a lot more has been added than what is in the release notes.
A few weeks ago some leaked images of the app surfaced, and what was released this afternoon matches what we saw. The main page of the app features a refreshed design with more shortcut options to lock the car, turn on HVAC, see the charging status, and open the frunk.
There are also a new animations for charging once your car is plugged in and for HVAC controls.
Charging animation pic.twitter.com/xs33XloUza
— Jason LRRWD Y 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@jgrano305) August 26, 2021
Fresh animations pic.twitter.com/HFvyXwmi9n
— Jason LRRWD Y 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@jgrano305) August 26, 2021
One of the new features gives owners the ability to access the Tesla Shop directly through the app where you can order accessories, apparel, and more. If you access the shop through the Upgrades tab, you are taken directly to the section of the store dedicated to your vehicle.
iPhone owners can also now enjoy small and large widgets on their Apple devices.
New small and large widget pic.twitter.com/OY2ITdq3HK
— Jason LRRWD Y 🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@jgrano305) August 26, 2021
One of the bigger features not mentioned in the release notes is Siri integration. Using the Apple personal assistant you can now lock and unlock your vehicle using the voice command “Hey Siri, lock the car,” or “Hey Siri, unlock the car.”
It unfortunately does not appear to work for controlling HVAC, as we tried “Hey Siri, heat up the car,” also specifying a particular temperature with no success.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
