Tesla begins taking Apple Pay for Model 3 reservations

Tesla has started accepting Apple Pay for the $1,000 deposit on the Model 3 — the automaker's first EV aimed at the mass market, already in a huge production backlog because of demand and slow production.

The option should appear when browsing Tesla's website via Safari, whether on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Previously the company only accepted credit cards, or PayPal, which was co-founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The change is unlikely to generate much money for Apple — which claims a fraction of a percent from each Apple Pay transaction — but might smooth the way for people considering a Model 3.

The deposit is refundable, perhaps an important point given the fact that Tesla is running well behind on production quotas. People reserving one today may have to wait as long as 12 to 18 months, especially since some configurations still aren't on sale.

Apple and Tesla have had a rough relationship, characterized by a poaching war for each other's talent. The former is developing a self-driving car platform, and presumably wants to take advantage of Tesla's lead in the field.

16 Comments

fallenjt 4056 comments · 13 Years

About 6 years ago

Just changed my reservation to the end of the year for the basic Model 3 at $35k from today $49k one. I'd like Tesla and the EV, but at $50k, I'd rather go with BMW 530e for peace of mind. Not sure why people still make deposit for M3 and won't see it in 2 years cuz by 2020, bunch of EVs to choose from.

racerhomie3 1264 comments · 7 Years

I hope Ubers go electric soon.

randominternetperson 3094 comments · 8 Years

That last paragraph leaves a lot to be desired.

Where is evidence that Apple and Tesla have had a "rough relationship"? How does a story about a couple guys going from Apple to Telsa suggest that Apple wants to "take advantage of Tesla's lead"? And frankly, we don't even know if Apple is developing a "self-driving car platform."

Sure we have a TON of rumors about Apple's work in self driving cars (and shuttle buses), but we don't know enough to assert that Apple is developing anything in particular.

lkrupp 10521 comments · 19 Years

randominternetperson said:

That last paragraph leaves a lot to be desired.

Where is evidence that Apple and Tesla have had a "rough relationship"? How does a story about a couple guys going from Apple to Telsa suggest that Apple wants to "take advantage of Tesla's lead"? And frankly, we don't even know if Apple is developing a "self-driving car platform."

Sure we have a TON of rumors about Apple's work in self driving cars (and shuttle buses), but we don't know enough to assert that Apple is developing anything in particular.

It’s about conflict, winners and losers in the tech tabloid business. Without controversy, conflict, rivalries, impending doom, etc. no one would be clicking on the articles, much less leaving comments. We all do it.