Tesla iPhone App Adds Live Supercharging Updates and Child Detection

Tesla has rolled out a significant update to its iOS app, introducing support for Apple’s Live Activities feature to provide real-time Supercharging updates directly on the iPhone lock screen. This enhancement allows Tesla owners to monitor their charging sessions without unlocking their phones, improving convenience and awareness during charging stops.

Live Activities, a feature designed to keep users informed with timely updates on the lock screen, is now leveraged by Tesla to show key charging metrics such as remaining time, current battery percentage, estimated cost, charging speed, and energy added. This feature is currently exclusive to Supercharger stations and does not support home or other public chargers.

The update, available in Tesla iOS app version 4.45.0, marks the latest major enhancement following the addition of Apple Watch digital key support. By integrating Live Activities, Tesla enhances the EV charging experience, helping drivers avoid idle fees by timely alerts to move their vehicles.

Introducing Child Detection for Enhanced Safety

Alongside the app update, Tesla is deploying a new safety feature called “Child Left Alone” in select newer Model 3 vehicles (mid-2023 and later) equipped with in-cabin radars. This system can detect if a child is left unattended inside the car, particularly in the back seat, and alert the owner to prevent dangerous situations.

Currently, this feature is being rolled out in Europe, with plans to expand to other Tesla models and regions in the future. The in-cabin radar technology enables detection without traditional seat sensors, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to monitor occupant safety effectively.

Tesla’s continuous innovation in both user convenience and safety features demonstrates how automotive software development is evolving rapidly. Features like Live Activities and child detection not only improve the driving experience but also underscore the critical role of integrated mobile and vehicle technologies.

For developers and automotive tech strategists, Tesla’s approach highlights the importance of leveraging platform-specific capabilities like Apple’s Live Activities to deliver real-time, actionable information that enhances user engagement and safety.