Tesla appears closer to adopting native, system-level digital car keys, a change that could eventually open the door to Apple Wallet support. New code found in Tesla’s mobile app points to a different approach than the Bluetooth-only Phone Key system Tesla uses today.
Right now, Tesla Phone Key depends on constant Bluetooth communication between the car and the Tesla app running in the background. That setup works, but it is not always reliable. A native wallet key works differently. It lives at the operating system level and relies on secure hardware inside the phone. As a result, access becomes faster, more stable, and available even in limited power states.
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A teardown of Tesla app version 4.52.0 revealed code references to “Harmony Wallet Key Cards.” According to Not a Tesla App, this signals a move toward system-level digital keys built directly into a phone’s wallet, rather than tied to an app. The references point to Huawei’s HarmonyOS and Huawei Wallet, which dominate the Chinese smartphone market.
Native Wallet Key
A native car key allows a phone to act like a physical key card. Users can unlock, lock, and start a vehicle using NFC, Bluetooth, or ultra wideband, without opening an app. In some cases, features like “Tap to Unlock” work even when the phone battery is nearly empty.
This approach closely matches how Apple Wallet handles Car Key support on the iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple introduced this system in 2020, storing keys inside the Secure Enclave and enabling “Express Mode” for fast access.
China Comes First
The HarmonyOS focus suggests Tesla is targeting China first. That fits Tesla’s pattern. The company often tests new software features in China before expanding globally. Huawei’s growing push into vehicle connectivity, including ultra-low latency wireless tech, also makes HarmonyOS a logical starting point.
The timing stands out. Rivian recently added native digital keys for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet in its latest update. Tesla’s discovery shows it is moving in the same direction, even if Apple’s support comes later.
For now, nothing is official. Still, Tesla’s shift toward native wallet keys looks like a meaningful step toward broader platform support.
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