Tesla May Add Apple Wallet Car Key Support, Starting in China
Written by Nour Abdelkader
A recent analysis of hidden code in the latest version of Tesla’s mobile app suggests the company is working to expand support for digital phone keys. This could include future compatibility with Apple’s Car Key feature in Apple Wallet.
According to a report by Not A Tesla App, the initial rollout appears to be targeting the Chinese market, leveraging Huawei’s HarmonyOS. Direct support for iPhone users may follow at a later stage.
Currently, Tesla’s phone key relies on a Bluetooth connection between the vehicle and the Tesla app running in the background on a smartphone. In contrast, wallet-based car keys are stored at the operating system level and use secure hardware elements, making them generally more reliable and easier to access.
Tesla App Update Points to HarmonyOS Integration
Code strings discovered in version 4.52.0 of the Tesla app specifically reference integration with Huawei’s HarmonyOS, indicating that the first implementation is likely designed for Huawei Wallet on HarmonyOS devices.
HarmonyOS is widely used in China, where Huawei dominates the smartphone market. Tesla has often used China as a testing ground for new software features before expanding them globally.
While the code does not explicitly mention Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, the underlying functionality closely mirrors Apple’s native digital car key system on iPhone. Apple introduced Car Key support in Apple Wallet in 2020, allowing compatible vehicles to be locked, unlocked, and started using NFC, Bluetooth, or Ultra Wideband technology.
Apple Car Keys are stored in the Secure Enclave on iPhone and Apple Watch, enabling features such as Express Mode, which allows users to unlock their car without Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode—even when the device’s battery is critically low.
Earlier this month, Rivian announced native support for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet car keys as part of its 2025.46 software update, signaling a broader industry shift toward system-level digital car keys.
