Tesla app now enables iOS Live Activities for supercharging sessions
Tesla's Robotaxi service is currently operational in the San Francisco Bay Area and Austin, Texas, with a human safety driver behind the wheel due to permitting restrictions. The service operates via Tesla's Robotaxi app, allowing riders to hail rides primarily within the Bay Area region.
Recent updates to the Robotaxi software have improved the ride-hailing experience, making it more natural and convenience-focused. Users have praised the service for its cautious and humanlike driving behavior, reportedly safer than traditional human-driven ride-hailing services like Uber.
CEO Elon Musk has indicated ambitious expansion goals, predicting that Tesla's Robotaxis will serve more than half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025. Musk has also hinted at the service launching in other cities, such as Chicago, aligning Tesla's operations with where competitor Waymo is permitted.
In addition to the robotaxi service, Tesla has introduced the Supercharging Live Activity. This feature provides real-time updates on charging sessions directly on the iPhone's lock screen and Apple Watch. The Supercharging Live Activity update is perfect for tracking real-time updates, such as food deliveries, ride-share arrivals, sports scores, and now, Supercharging sessions.
The Tesla app update for the robotaxi service requires a device updated to at least iOS 17.2. With this update, users can request rides, track estimated arrival times, monitor trip progress, and manage ride details directly from their iPhones. The Live Activity support for Tesla's robotaxi service is planned to be extended, offering information such as vehicle approach, trip duration, and arrival notifications without needing to open the app.
The initial rollout of the robotaxi service will feature approximately 10 autonomous Model Y vehicles. The Tesla iOS app version 4.45.0 includes Live Activity support for Supercharging sessions.
Live Activities are real-time updates introduced by Apple in iOS 16, allowing apps to display ongoing updates on the Lock Screen or Dynamic Island. The Supercharging Live Activity is currently the only Live Activity supported by the Tesla iOS app.
The introduction of Live Activity support sets the stage for Tesla's upcoming robotaxi service. The Live Activity feature for the robotaxi service will offer information such as vehicle approach, trip duration, and arrival notifications, making the ride-hailing experience more seamless and convenient.
Tesla still faces regulatory hurdles, particularly in California, where the company lacks proper permits to operate fully driverless and to charge for autonomous rides. However, the company is working towards demonstrating a safety record better than human drivers to secure the necessary permits for driverless operation.
The robotaxi service by Tesla is set to launch in Austin, Texas, next month. With the combination of the Supercharging Live Activity and the upcoming robotaxi service, Tesla continues to push the boundaries of convenience and innovation in the electric vehicle industry.
- As Tesla expands its robotaxi service to Austin, Texas next month, users can expect a more seamless and convenient ride-hailing experience with the introduction of Live Activity support.
2.CEO Elon Musk's ambitious expansion goals for Tesla's robotaxis involve serving more than half of the U.S. population by the end of 2025, with its operations potentially aligning with Waymo's permit cities, such as Chicago.
3.Users of smartphones and other gadgets can now monitor their Supercharging sessions in real-time, thanks to the Supercharging Live Activity feature available on the latest version of the Tesla iOS app, which also supports the company's upcoming robotaxi service.
