Tesla has announced a significant upgrade to its Phone Key feature, incorporating ultra-wideband (UWB) technology aimed at improving the precision and reliability of its vehicle unlocking system. The latest software update, version 2024.2.3, was introduced this week, albeit with limited availability to Tesla owners.
Ultra-wideband technology, renowned for its exceptionally accurate location tracking capabilities surpassing conventional Bluetooth, operates by utilizing short-range radio waves to determine precise distances between devices.
The integration of UWB technology is expected to not only enhance the ease and reliability of locking and unlocking Tesla vehicles but also improve features such as automatic door opening and the selection of driver profiles based on the proximity of the phone key to the driver’s side.
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According to information sourced from Not A Tesla App, the implementation of UWB support necessitates both a Tesla vehicle equipped with UWB hardware and an iPhone possessing similar capabilities, with compatibility extending from iPhone 11 models onwards.
Presently, this feature is exclusively available on upgraded Model 3, the 2023 Model X, and the Cybertruck, leaving the majority of Tesla owners without UWB-supported Phone Key functionality. However, Tesla plans to extend UWB support to compatible Android devices in the future, thereby broadening accessibility to this cutting-edge technology.
Activation of the enhanced Phone Key entails Tesla owners initiating an upgrade via the Tesla app, which involves granting the app access to UWB for “Nearby Interactions,” as termed by Apple. This streamlined process ensures accurate detection of the phone’s presence by the vehicle, enhancing user experience and functionality.
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The release notes for the UWB feature state that it enables more responsive communication between the vehicle and Phone Key, facilitating quicker locking, unlocking, and opening of automatic doors.
To activate the enhanced Phone Key, Tesla owners will be prompted to upgrade their Phone Key via the Tesla app, which involves granting the app access to UWB for what Apple terms “Nearby Interactions.” This process ensures that the vehicle can accurately detect the presence of the phone, streamlining the user experience.
Here are the release notes for the ultra-wideband feature.
Ultrawide band (UWB) technology is now available for Phone Key. So your vehicle and Phone Key can communicate with greater accuracy to more responsively lock, unlock, and open Automatic Doors.
In the Tesla app, choose Phone Key > Upgrade and follow the instructions. After setup, keep your iPhone Settings for Nearby Interactions on for Tesla. Requires iPhone 11+ and Tesla app 4.29.5+.
