Tesla is making significant efforts to enhance the experience for Android users who own their cars. For a long time, iPhone users have had an advantage when it comes to accessing new Tesla features.
These features often roll out to iOS, Apple’s operating system, faster than they do for Android users. However, Tesla is now working on improving the situation for Android users to give them more capabilities and close the gap between the two platforms.
For Android users, the delay in receiving new features has been noticeable. While they do eventually get the same features as iPhone users, it can take weeks or even months longer.
This delay can be frustrating for Android users, especially those who want the latest and most convenient functionalities that Tesla offers.
A recent example of this difference is the introduction of the hands-free frunk feature. Tesla rolled this out for iPhone users, allowing them to open the front trunk, or “frunk,” of their Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, and the new Cybertruck just by standing in front of it.
The frunk will automatically open when the phone key is detected nearby. Unfortunately, this convenient feature has not yet been made available to Android users. While iPhone users are already enjoying the benefits of hands-free access to their frunk, Android users are left waiting.
However, it appears that Tesla is actively working on changing this. According to Wes Morrill, the Lead Engineer for the Cybertruck, Tesla is trying to work with phone manufacturers to improve the compatibility between their cars and Android devices.
Morrill mentioned that Tesla needs cooperation from each phone manufacturer to access the necessary hardware on Android devices. This means that once Tesla can secure the right support from these manufacturers, Android users may finally be able to use features like the hands-free frunk, which is currently exclusive to iPhone users.
Pixel user here 👋 its definitely the goal, we need support from each manufacturer to access their devices hardware. Team is working on it!
— Wes (@wmorrill3) September 7, 2024
Despite the delay in receiving features, Tesla has started rolling out some improvements for Android users. For instance, the Sentry Mode preview, a feature that allows users to view camera footage from their car remotely, is finally available on Android. However, this feature was released to iPhone users months earlier, once again highlighting the lag in feature availability between the two platforms.
For now, if you’re a Tesla owner, it might still be more advantageous to use an iPhone simply because of the quicker access to features. However, it looks like things could soon change. Tesla’s efforts to bring Android users up to speed are promising, and Android users may start receiving new features more quickly in the near future.
In conclusion, Tesla is aware of the disparity between Android and iPhone users when it comes to accessing new features. While iPhone users still have the upper hand, Tesla’s ongoing work with phone manufacturers suggests that Android users will soon have a more equal experience. If you’re an Android user who drives a Tesla, keep an eye out for updates, as more features may be coming your way sooner than before.