Tesla app on Apple Watch and "fart on contact": 2024 Tesla holiday update announced

A collage of two images: the Tesla App for Apple Watch and Sentry Mode video saving in a smartphone app. Source: Tesla

Tesla has announced via its X (former Twitter) account a list of changes coming to its cars with a festive software update next week.

Here's What We Know

Tesla App for Apple Watch

You can now use your Apple Watch as a key to Tesla cars. You can also use the Apple Watch to check the battery charge, open the boot, or turn on the climate control.

Tesla App on Apple Watch. Image: Tesla

Saving camera videos from Sentry Mode

You can now view recorded dashcam videos of parked cars with Sentry Mode activated right in the Tesla app and upload them to your smartphone for editing or sharing.

Save Dashcam Sentry Mode. Image: Tesla

As you know, the updated Tesla Model 3 Highland sedan has no paddle shifters and uses a touchscreen to switch driving modes (P/R/N/N/D). This is frankly inconvenient, but with the new software it is possible to enable automatic switching between Drive and Reverse modes for manoeuvres in a car park or during complex U-turns.

Autoshift mode for the Tesla Model 3 Highland. Image: Tesla

SiriusXM

SiriusXM satellite radio, popular in the US, is now available for the Model 3, Y and Cybertruck.

SiriusXM in Tesla. Image: Tesla

Set arrival energy at destination

You can set your desired battery level when you arrive at your destination via the navigation system. This is especially handy if you plan your route in advance and know that you may have trouble getting your Tesla charged on your next trip.

Set arrival energy at destination. Image: Tesla

When navigating, search results are now filtered to show options along the route and estimated diversions times.

Search on route. Image: Tesla

Precipitation map and weather

View rainfall data right on the map to find out the weather at your destination.

Precipitation map and weather. Image: Tesla

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

When reversing, the car will warn you if it detects a pedestrian or vehicle crossing the path of traffic.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Image: Tesla

Specific updates for the Tesla Cybertruck

For the Tesla Cybertruck pickup truck, you can choose a custom design from the on-board system menu with original exterior and number plates. You can create your own templates and upload them to the vehicle from a USB stick. Instructions will be published on Github.

Tesla Cybertruck custom design. Image: Tesla

Apart from this, the rear camera image has been made larger in the Cybertruck and has been given the ability to zoom. The TuneIn Radio app has also been updated, the ability to play video games from the back row, Santa Mode and a few games have been added.

Santa Mode for the Tesla Cybertruck. Image: Tesla

Other fun stuff

• Boomerang Fu Game
• "Fart to Contact. Yes, it's what you're thinking. You can make prank a friend with the sound of farting gases when getting into a Tesla
• You can now adjust the position of the front passenger seat or second row via an additional screen menu.
• Maintenance: the screen will remind you to visit a service station for routine maintenance.

Source: Tesla