Gabriel Walker
Feb 09, 2024
The logo of Tesla is seen in Taipei, Taiwan August 11, 2017. — Reuters
Tesla has recently added support for the iPhone's Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip to enhance the performance of the Phone Key for certain Tesla models.
Apple introduced the Ultra Wideband chip with the iPhone 11, enabling improved proximity-based communication between an iPhone and other devices equipped with UWB technology.
According to the release notes for Tesla update 2024.2.3, 9to5 Mac reported while citing a report from Not a Tesla App, Tesla has announced the availability of UWB technology for the Phone Key. Users can switch from Bluetooth to UWB for their Phone Key through the Tesla app.
Read more: Tesla owners told not to wear Apple Vision Pro headset while driving
Nevertheless, even if individuals possess an iPhone 11 or a more recent model equipped with UWB, they will still require a Tesla that also contains the Ultra Wideband technology. This is the current situation.
9to5 Mac also pointed out that “all refreshed Model S and Model X vehicles include the new UWB frequencies in the certificate of conformity.” As of now; however, this enhanced Phone Key feature is not accessible for those vehicles.
The older Model 3 and the newer Model Y from Tesla do not come with UWB connectivity, and even though some Android phones have UWB technology built in, this feature is currently exclusive to iPhone users. Apple offers a car key feature in Apple Wallet, and it would be beneficial for Tesla to also support this.
Tesla models that support UWB
According to Tesla, vehicles that support Ultra Wideband (UWB) feature include latest-generation Model 3, 2023 Model X, and its recently launched Cybertruck.
