Tesla Motors Inc NASDAQ:TSLA customers now have yet another reason to cheer. The electric vehicle maker is gearing up to roll out the version 6.0 update to Model S software. It will allow users to unlock and start their cars with the iPhone (if they have one) just in case they forget the physical key fob. According to electric vehicle website Electrek, the below screenshot of OS 6.0 is currently in late beta stages.
Tesla Android app is also coming
Tesla is revolutionizing the automobile industry with its innovative, high-performance electric cars. The new software update will bring a bunch of new features such as a new Calendar app. What’s more, it will also have significant improvements to the Navigation/Maps software. Leaked screenshots also mentioned that the Tesla Android app will be available within the next few weeks.
These improvements reflect Tesla’s commitment to serve not only future users but also existing ones. A few days ago, Tesla extended the Model S drive train warranty to eight years with infinite miles. The move came after Consumer Reports said the Model S sedan began showing some problems after long-term use. Anyway, it’s still unclear how the iPhone unlocking and ignition system will work. But reports suggest that it will involve TouchID. Tesla’s new update may coincide with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iOS 8 rollout on September 9.
Tesla needs to beef up security
A big question is how secure will it be? TouchID is not the most foolproof identification system out there. There is evidence of hackers bypassing it to seize control of the device. Model S has also been vulnerable to hacking. However, there may not be too much of an issue unless someone gains physical access to your iPhone linked to your Model S.
Tesla has snapped up a lot of Apple Inc. NASDAQ:AAPL employees over the last year. It has hired Mac hardware chief Doug Field to head its vehicle design. Tesla has also snapped hacking expert Kristin Paget from Apple in January. What’s more, many engineers in Tesla’s UI design team are former Apple employees.
Tesla Motors Inc NASDAQ:TSLA shares inched up 0.19% to $256.19 at 10:42 AM EDT on Thursday.
