Tesla app for Apple Watch hands-on: Friggin finally!

Tesla took its sweet time with this one. Given how great the car company’s iPhone app is, one would expect Tesla would jump at the opportunity to create an app for the Apple Watch, too, but it never happened — until now.

With the company's holiday update now rolling out to Tesla vehicles, I took the opportunity to try out the new Apple Watch app, which becomes available for your wearable once the car software is updated to version 2024.44.25.

First, a hardware checklist: I had at my disposal an Apple Watch Series 10, as well as two Tesla vehicles: a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and a 2016 Tesla Model X 90D.

Unfortunately, my Model 3 did not yet receive the update, so I only tested the app with the Model X. Given that it's an older model, it didn't receive all of the features that are typically available with the new app; for example, I could not set the Watch to be a key for the car.

The app is visually pleasing, with a nice, big icon of the Model X, an indication that the car is charging, as well as time remaining to the desired charge state. I was also able to check the car's VIN, firmware version...and that was about it. Not bad, but not too great, either.

On the Model 3 — once the new software becomes available for it — I should also be able to lock and unlock the car, turn on climate control, and open the car's front trunk (frunk for short). That's a lot more convenient, and it makes sense to have these shortcuts on something that's (nearly) always available on your wrist: your smartwatch.

I've used third-party Watch apps before, such as the one from Tessie, and some of them offer more functionality than the official app. But when it comes to an app that can unlock your car, it's somehow really reassuring to have an official one from the company that actually makes the car.

I was also eager to try out another snazzy new feature that should come with the Tesla holiday update, which is "Fart on contact." Unfortunately, that one also wasn't available for the Model X, which, frankly, ruined my day. Once I get that feature for the other car, I will share my experience in meticulous detail, because you, dear reader, deserve nothing less.