Tesla Update 2024.2.3 Is Improving Phone Keys By Adding Ultra-Wideband Support (2024)

In Tesla update 2024.2.3, Tesla is rolling out support for ultra-wideband, a wireless protocol that will drastically improve how Tesla phone keys work.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) requires hardware support on the user's phone and the vehicle, so only some of the most recent models will be supported.

What is Ultra-Wide

Ultra-wideband is similar to Bluetooth in that it uses short-range radio waves to enable devices to communicate, although it’s a separate protocol all together. It uses less energy than Bluetooth while providing high-precision location tracking beyond what can be achieved with Bluetooth. The technology is often used to accurately locate devices and determine the precise distance between multiple UWB devices.

Improved Phone Keys

Tesla phone keys are fantastic and give you a way to lock and unlock your vehicle without having to carry a key. They also let you share temporary or permanent keys with others without ever having to hand something over physically. It's one of the ways Tesla can now offer self-serve demo drives without any staff on hand.

While phone keys are great and work reliably most of the time, occasionally the car doesn't recognize that the phone is nearby, requiring you to take out your phone and unlock it or even open the Tesla app before it recognizes that the phone is nearby.

The addition of support for ultra-wideband should solve these issues almost completely by precisely knowing where the phone is in relation to the vehicle. UWB support is also expected to improve other features that rely on knowing your phone’s location, such as selecting the correct driver profile depending on which phone key is closest to the driver’s side.

Enabling UWB Phone Key

The new phone key won’t work out of the box. To use the improved UWB phone key, you’ll need to set it up in the Tesla app. The app will prompt you to “Upgrade Your Phone Key,” and you’ll then need to grant the app access to UWB, which the iPhones call Nearby Interactions. You can remove or check on whether the app has access at any time by navigating to iPhone Settings > Privacy & Security > Nearby Interactions.

Release Notes

Tesla states that its new feature "Ultra-Wideband Phone Key" will improve your phone key due to greater accuracy and better responsibleness.

The release notes read:

"Ultrawide band (UWB) technology is now available for Phone Key. So your vehicle and Phone Key can communicate with greater accuracy to more responsively lock, unlock, and open Automatic Doors.”

“In the Tesla app, choose Phone Key > Upgrade and follow the instructions. After setup, keep your iPhone Settings for Nearby Interactions on for Tesla. Requires iPhone 11+ and Tesla app 4.29.5+."

Cars Supported

Since ultra-wideband requires specific hardware, it can’t be added in a software update unless the hardware is already in the vehicle. Only some of the latest Tesla vehicles appear to support the new wireless protocol.

We have confirmed that the new Model 3 is supported, as well as the 2023 Model X. All refreshed Model S and Model X vehicles include the new UWB frequencies in the certificate of conformity and are likely to receive this feature, but it doesn’t appear to be going out to all new S/X models yet. The Cybertruck is expected to be supported as well.

The first-gen Model 3 and current Model Y unfortunately do not have UWB support.

Phones Support

In addition to the vehicle having support for UWB, the phone must also support it. All models since the iPhone 11 have included support for ultra-wideband. This spans across all models and sizes.

While some Android phones also include UWB hardware, Tesla is launching support for the iPhone first, but we can expect supported Android phones running Android 13 or later to be added at some point in the future as well.

On the Android side, the Pixel 6 and above have support for UWB on the Pro models, while the Galaxy S series phones support the protocol since the S21, but only on the Plus and Ultra models. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and above also include support as well as other flagship Android phones.

Tesla App Support

Tesla started adding support for ultra-wideband back in July 2023 when Tesla updated their app to v4.23.5 and included references to ultra-wideband. Tesla says that you’ll require the latest Tesla app, v4.29.5 or higher to use the new feature.

Ultra wide-band will bring greater accuracy and reliability to Tesla's phone keys. The phone key is already great and the only thing holding it back is its ability to work reliably 100% of the time, but it looks like that is about to be fixed if you own a new Tesla model.

Kim Kardashian showcased her Cybertruck with the caption "cool carpool mom" to her 364 million followers on Instagram. The A-list celebrity and billionaire is well known for her knack for staying at the forefront of trends, making this one image a powerful endorsem*nt for Tesla. The picture of one of the most influential celebrities of our time picking the Cybertruck as her distinctive vehicle speaks volumes about the brand's penetration into popular culture and its appeal to a broad demographic, including those who value style, innovation, and sustainability.

The Power of Celebrity Influence

Kim Kardashian's influence cannot be overstated. Her every move is watched and often emulated by fans around the globe. Her journey from reality TV star to billionaire entrepreneur has been marked by a series of successful ventures in fashion, beauty, and technology investments, making her a model of modern business acumen. Kardashian's ability to turn personal endorsem*nts into significant trends is unparalleled, making her engagement with Tesla's Cybertruck a notable moment for the company.

Kardashian's influence extends far beyond mere product endorsem*nt. Her strategic use of social media to connect with her audience has transformed how brands interact with consumers. She creates a personal connection that can sway consumer behavior by sharing her life, interests, and choices, including her vehicle preferences. Her endorsem*nt of the Cybertruck can significantly enhance Tesla's brand visibility and desirability, particularly among consumers who may not have previously considered an electric vehicle.

The Celebrity Cybertruck list is growing

Pharrell, Lady Gaga, Jay Leno, and now Kim Kardashian.

Who’s next? pic.twitter.com/APSyaBZ11a

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) February 21, 2024

Kardashian has recently joined the exclusive circle of celebrities seen driving the Cybertruck, a group that boasts names like Pharrell, Lady Gaga, Jay Leno, and not to forget Elon Musk himself (who, aside from being Tesla's CEO, commands a staggering following of over 370 million on X). Each of these stars wields significant influence, captivating audiences that range from thousands to millions globally.

Sustainability Meets Style

Moreover, Kardashian's endorsem*nt comes at a time when the importance of sustainable living and eco-friendly choices is increasingly recognized. Her choice of an electric vehicle over traditional gasoline-powered cars sends a strong message about the importance of environmental responsibility, aligning with Tesla's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. This alignment boosts Tesla's brand and promotes a broader cultural shift towards sustainability.

pic.twitter.com/ua3cv5OZDY

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) February 19, 2024

In the context of celebrity endorsem*nts, Kim Kardashian's showcase of the Tesla Cybertruck is a masterstroke. It merges the worlds of entertainment, technology, and sustainability, highlighting the evolving nature of brand-consumer relationships in the digital age. Tesla's innovative approach to vehicle design and its commitment to sustainability is amplified by Kardashian's endorsem*nt, illustrating the power of celebrity influence in shaping consumer preferences and driving societal trends.

Ultimately, Kardashian driving a Cybertruck and branding herself as a "cool carpool mom" is a significant endorsem*nt for Tesla, enhancing the brand's visibility, appeal, and alignment with sustainable values. In an era where brand success is increasingly tied to social influence and cultural relevance, Tesla's association with Kardashian can only be seen as a positive development, driving the brand further into the mainstream consciousness and reinforcing its position as a leader in the shift towards a more sustainable future.

Tesla has devised a solution to its Cybertruck tire issues by introducing new base wheel caps. This move directly responds to the challenges previously encountered with the vehicle's aero wheel covers and tire combinations.

Cybertruck’s base wheels caps. They will come with Pirelli Scorpion ATR all seasons instead of the Goodyear AT’s. pic.twitter.com/nlJdFyszF3

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) February 21, 2024

A short video posted on X gives us a first look at the new wheel caps. The caps appear to be paired with the original Goodyear AT Tires that were designed to fit the first edition wheel covers. However, Nic Cruz Patane, who posted the video, states that Cybertruck’s new base wheel caps will come with Pirelli Scorpion ATR all seasons instead of the Goodyear ATs.

Pirelli Takes the Wheel

By opting for Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-season tires for the Cybertruck, Tesla is taking a strategic pivot towards enhancing the vehicle's performance across various driving conditions. The Pirelli Scorpion ATR is renowned for its versatility, offering superior traction and durability, making it an ideal match for the Cybertruck's robust design and off-road capabilities.

Incorporating the Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-season tires into the Cybertruck's design is a step towards sustainability. These tires are known for their low rolling resistance, which can contribute to increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Addressing the Achilles' Heel

While innovative, the initial design of the Cybertruck's aero wheel covers faced criticism for causing excessive wear on tire sidewalls. This issue was first spotlighted by T Sportline - Tesla Upgrades & Accessories, leading to a broader discussion about the impact of design choices on vehicle durability. Tesla's decision to switch to Pirelli tires and introduce new wheel caps is a clear response to these challenges, aiming to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functional reliability of the Cybertruck.

This thoughtful redesign aligns with Tesla's ethos of continuous innovation and its pursuit of excellence in electric vehicle manufacturing. Tesla's introduction of new base wheel caps and the transition to Pirelli Scorpion ATR all-season tires for the Cybertruck are more than just aesthetic upgrades. They represent a quick and comprehensive response to challenges. This approach not only addresses the immediate needs of Cybertruck owners but also positions Tesla as a forward-thinking leader in the automotive sector, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.