Tesla will launch an app for the Apple Watch.
The Christmas update will start rolling out next week.
The next Tesla update for the holidays will include a series of standout features, such as a digital key fob for Apple Watch, access to security videos from Sentry Mode from your phone, a rear cross-traffic alert, and a fun "Santa Mode" for the Cybertruck. The rollout of the new software will begin next week and will finally bring Apple Watch support to the Tesla app, allowing native access from the watch. This means users can leave their mobile phones at home while going about their daily activities and still access functions like opening their vehicle's trunk.
The native Apple Watch experience will provide the ability to check charging status and remotely heat the car. Previously, third-party apps provided this functionality due to the lack of an official solution, but now Tesla has established its own service.
Another major addition is remote access to Dashcam and Sentry Mode recordings. Users will be able to view these videos from their phone and save specific clips to quickly share accident recordings with insurance companies or authorities.
As usual, the update will include Tesla's popular light show, which synchronizes lights and sounds across multiple vehicles. This year, they have added two new shows, and the Cybertruck will have a "Santa Mode" that transforms its 3D display into a Tesla robot riding a sleigh. Additionally, customizable decorations and license plates can be integrated into the Cybertruck's interface. The vehicle will also feature arcade games on the rear screen and an improved rear camera feed with zoom support.
Among other innovations, the automatic gear-shifting functionality in the S and X models is being extended to Model 3 vehicles without stalks, which aims to anticipate shifts between drive and reverse, although this feature has generated controversy due to being a cost-cutting measure that left customers dealing with the issue. However, the new system includes an important safety update: the rear cross-traffic alert, which will emit an audible warning and display a red bar on the rear camera if it detects vehicles or pedestrians while backing up.
Users will also be able to set energy charging upon arrival at their destination, which is useful for those who know they won’t find a charging station available. Additionally, it will be possible to search for locations along the route with estimated time deviations, and applications like Sirius XM and TuneIn will see improvements. Other new features include maintenance summaries on the vehicle, notifications about the pull of the door handles, and a new party game called Boomerang Fu. For those looking for a humorous touch, the famous sound effects app can be activated when sitting in the seat.
