Tesla App Finally Gets a Real iPad Version, With iPhone Duo Support on Day One

Tesla has shipped its first app built for the iPad, and it arrived just in time for the iPhone Duo. The update, version 4.62.3 or later, went live in the App Store overnight into Friday, October 23, the same day Apple’s foldable reached customers, heise online reports, citing Tesla designer Alex Guichet.

A real tablet layout, finally

Until now, iPad owners could install Tesla’s iPhone app, but it was never adapted for the bigger screen, something owners had asked for for years. The new version uses a two-column layout: a large view of the car or home on one side and navigation and controls on the other. Because the overview also shows the status of things like open or closed doors and power use, owners have to switch between screens less often than before.

That matters beyond the car. The Tesla app also manages the company’s home battery storage, which is a big reason owners wanted a version that makes good use of a tablet sitting at home.

Ready for the Duo on day one

Tesla used the same work to support the iPhone Duo, so the app fills the foldable’s large inner display instead of showing a stretched phone layout, which heise notes is more than many older apps managed at launch. Android users get the same treatment: according to Guichet, Tesla also adapted the app for Android tablets and foldables.

Guichet previewed the redesign a few days before release and has posted notes about the approach on X. He said the team is still brainstorming what to add next, including showing more information, and that more updates and polish are coming soon.

Still no CarPlay

The move is a notable one for a company that usually puts its own in-car software first. Tesla has never added Apple’s CarPlay to its vehicles despite steady requests from owners and recurring rumors that support was coming, and nothing in this update changes that. What it does mean is that iPad and Duo owners can check on and control their car or home battery with an app that finally fits their screen.

Source: heise online