Malcolm Owen
Tesla's latest update for its iOS app has added support for Apple's Shortcuts, enabling drivers to instruct their vehicles to perform various commands, simply by asking Siri.
The update to version 4.24.0 appeared in the App Store on Saturday, to little fanfare from Tesla itself. The change is listed with a single sentence: "Access your vehicle controls and climate from the Apple Shortcuts app."
The Tesla app previously provided owners with many different actions that they could perform on their car remotely, via their iPhone. With the addition of Siri Shortcuts support, Tesla North reports drivers can now perform many of the actions using a "Hey Siri" command with an iPhone or Apple Watch, instead of needing to access the app manually.
The list of commands that Siri Shortcuts can work with includes unlocking and locking the Tesla, opening and closing the frunk and trunk, opening the charge port, and starting and stopping charging. Siri can also be used to enable and disable Sentry Mode and Dog Mode, as well as many other basic functions.
Adding Siri Shortcuts support is the latest move Tesla has made to adapt to Apple's device ecosystem.
In December, Apple Music support rolled out to Tesla cars as part of a holiday software update. Meanwhile in July, code snippets in the iOS app indicated that AirPlay support was being tested by the car producer.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
22 Comments
But still no CarPlay. *eyeroll*
Oh, I guess we can't comment unless we own a Tesla? Thanks for letting us know Neoncat.
I own a Tesla, and like the other owners I know, we don't WANT CarPlay. The Tesla audio and maps are much better. When I'm traveling and rent a car I find CarPlay extremely limited.
I own a Tesla. I would vastly prefer CarPlay to the point that I would pay a few thousand for it. Next car will have CarPlay. Hopefully an AppleCar.