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Tesla App Hints at Native Wallet Car Keys, Setting Stage for Possible Apple Wallet Support

New app code points to Huawei HarmonyOS wallet keys for an initial rollout in China.

Overview

  • Teardown of Tesla app version 4.52.0 reveals multiple references to “Harmony Wallet Key Cards,” indicating work on system-level digital keys.
  • Native wallet keys live in secure phone hardware rather than an app, enabling faster, more reliable access and features like NFC tap-to-unlock.
  • Code strings specifically reference HarmonyOS and Huawei Wallet, aligning with Tesla’s pattern of testing new software in China before broader release.
  • Tesla has not announced support or timing, and any rollout would also require vehicle firmware and backend updates in addition to app changes.
  • Rivian recently added Apple Wallet and Google Wallet car keys, with Porsche, Toyota, and GM moving in the same direction, underscoring an industry shift toward OS-level keys.