Like iPhone, Apple Watch may soon be a car key for Tesla drivers

Tesla appears to be actively developing its first Apple Watch app. Decompiled app code suggests Tesla intends for the Apple Watch to serve as a car key like the iPhone app.

Code references that point to Apple working on an Apple Watch app come by way of the website Tesla App Updates. Our friends at Electrek ran through the shipping features of the latest Tesla app update on Friday.

Decompiled code from the Tesla app binary includes these three “watch” references, per TAU:

• watch_app_pairing_state_remotely_signing_add_key_command
• watch_app_ble_peripheral
• watch_app_no_product_selected

Given Tesla has no Apple Watch app, bringing any features from the iPhone app to the Apple Watch would be welcome news for drivers. Actually being able to use the Apple Watch if your iPhone dies or you leave it behind will be even more welcome.

Apple has a built-in feature called car key on Apple Watch and iPhone that works like Tesla’s iPhone app. The digital car key is managed in the Wallet app so a separate Apple Watch app isn’t required.

Tesla natively supports Apple Music and Apple Podcasts as part of its built-in infotainment system — no iPhone required.

Tesla confirmed plans to look into an Apple Watch app earlier this year. Meanwhile, there are third-party Apple Watch apps on the App Store that bring some functionality already.