Tesla's Holiday Update lets you unlock your car with an Apple Watch

02 December 2024

Tesla has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Holiday Update, and it's brimming with new features. Looking at the list of things that got spruced up, this is far more than just a usual stocking stuffer. It's a whole sleigh full of upgrades. From safety enhancements to entertainment options and some long-awaited additions, Tesla is giving owners plenty to be jolly about this holiday season.

One of the most significant additions is the integration of Apple Watch as a vehicle key. Tesla owners with an Apple Watch can ditch their phones and keys, and use their watch to unlock and start their vehicle. The Apple Watch app also allows drivers to check their car's battery charge, adjust climate settings, and even open the frunk, all from their wrist. This is great news for Apple Watch users, but unfortunately, Android users are left out in the cold for now.

Another significant improvement is the ability to save Dashcam and Sentry Mode clips directly to your phone via the Tesla app. No more fumbling with USB drives! You can now view, edit, and share those recordings with ease. Additionally, Sentry Mode has been enhanced to send app notifications if someone tampers with a door handle, adding an extra layer of security.

Tesla has also listened to its customers and finally added Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This safety feature, which has been a standard on many other vehicles for years, warns drivers of approaching vehicles or pedestrians when reversing.

For those who enjoy road trips, Tesla's navigation system has received some welcome upgrades. A weather overlay now shows precipitation along your route and the expected conditions at your destination. You can also search for points of interest along your route and set your desired state of charge at your destination, making trip planning even more convenient.

Thanks to the new update, the stalkless Model 3 now supports Autoshift, automatically switching between Drive and Reverse. This feature, already available on the Model S and Model X, simplifies complex parking maneuvers and multi-point turns.

Entertainment options are also getting a boost with the addition of SiriusXM streaming for Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners. TuneIn Radio remains a free option and has also seen some improvements.

Tesla's futuristic pickup is getting some unique features of its own. Owners can personalize their Cybertruck avatar with custom wraps and license plates using preloaded designs or uploading their own via USB. The rear camera feed is now larger and includes pinch-to-zoom capabilities. Rear passengers can enjoy new games, turning the backseat into an entertainment hub. And for the holidays, there's even a "Santa Mode" that transforms the Cybertruck into Santa's sleigh, complete with Optimus, reindeer, and elves - of course, all on the built-in screen.

Other additions include the ability to schedule light shows remotely, adjust passenger seats from the driver's controls, and a new "Boomerang Fu" game. A dedicated screen now tracks maintenance tasks and provides reminders, while Model S, X, and Cybertruck have enhanced energy consumption tracking. Smaller but useful improvements include automatic volume lowering when reversing, dynamic rerouting around road closures, improved parking search functionality, and notifications of out-of-service Supercharger stalls.

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