Tesla is adding Apple Music to their vehicles in update

After many years of waiting and anticipation, Tesla is finally adding Apple Music to its cars.

Aaron Cash shared photos via Twitter of Tesla’s new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, which opened November 20, 2022. Aaron found that Apple Music was included in one of Tesla’s vehicles.

At the exhibit, Tesla has the interior of the new Model S set up, complete with a center console, steering wheel and infotainment system so that attendees can experience the yoke steering wheel and its blazing-fast processing for maps, games, and entertainment.

The ‘vehicle’ was running a developer version of Tesla’s OS with version number 2022.40.50, and this is where Apple Music was found.

Tesla’s notorious for leaving Easter eggs and hints about upcoming features in their software, and having this vehicle run a developer version with Apple Music appears to have been intentional. We first speculated that Apple Music was coming when an icon was spotted during Zoom’s conference where they showcased their video conference running in Teslas.

According to the software menu in the vehicle, the vehicle’s VIN was set to ‘P3TERS3N1P000BUCK.

Integration

Tesla will be integrating Apple Music into their music player, instead of actually running an Apple Music app, which has both, positives and negatives. On the positive side, the UI will be consistent and similar to Tesla’s other music offerings, and its expected to support Tesla’s voice commands as well. However, it could mean that not all Apple Music features may be available.

Spatial Audio

Apple recently announced that Apple Music would support Spatial Audio in some vehicles. In addition to Spatial Audio, Apple Music also supports lossless audio for a variety of music. Apple describes these features as creating an immersive audio experience that produces “true multidimensional sound and clarity.”

It’s not clear whether Tesla is implementing Spatial Audio or lossless audio support in their implementation of Apple Music, but we may be limited to the core features. Tesla currently supports high-quality audio with TIDAL.

Release Notes

The Tesla release notes for the inclusion of Apple Music have been shared on Twitter by TeslaRaj. Although they don’t reveal much, it does confirm that you’ll need Premium Connectivity to stream Apple Music over cellular, or use WiFi, either while parked and connected to a local access point or using your phone as a hotspot. You’ll also need a subscription to Apple Music. It does not mention Dolby Atmos or lossless audio, so it’s a real possibility that those options are not included, at least upon Apple Music’s initial release. Tesla’s release notes are as follows:

Stream over 100 million songs and 30,000 playlists ad-free. Listen to your entire library, discover more music, and tune into live radio stations. To access Apple Music, tap the Apple Music icon in the Application Launcher, scan the QR code with your mobile device, and login with your Apple ID.

Note: A Premium Connectivity subscription is required to stream Apple Music over a cellular connection.

Release Date

There is no official release date for Apple Music, but the wait should not be long. It’s highly anticipated that Tesla will add Apple Music with this year’s holiday update, which is expected later next month.

Last year Tesla released a holiday update that included the ability to create custom light shows, a new UI, a customizable launcher, the addition of the blind spot camera and more. This year’s holiday update is expected to include a variety of new features as well.

Apple Music, which surpassed 100 million songs back in October, is one of the last major streaming services to be added to Tesla’s vehicles. Currently, Tesla offers Spotify, TIDAL, Slacker Radio, TuneIn, and SiriusXM (Model S/X only). To stream music through any of these services you’ll need to be subscribed to Tesla’s Premium Connectivity for $9.99/mo.

If you sneak a peek at Christmas presents, then you’ll enjoy this article. Santa Musk and the Tesla Elves outdid themselves with the Holiday Update, which will be update 2022.44.25.

First, some quick stocking stuffers, before we get into some big ones:

Auto Turn Signals

Turn signals can now automatically be deactivated when changing lanes or merging. This feature is carrying over from the new Model S and Model X which are capable of turning off turn signals after the vehicle changes lanes.

We’re already used to turn signals turning off after completing a turn, however, that doesn’t work on the highway where a lane doesn’t require turning the steering wheel enough to turn off the turn signals.

Tesla is using Tesla Vision to detect when you’ve completed a lane change or merge and will automatically deactivate your turn signal for you.

Rainbow Road

We’ve had the Rainbow Road easter egg for years, however with the introduction of the improved visuals in the FSD Beta, this feature was removed on city streets.

Tesla is now adding support for Rainbow Road with the improved FSD visuals. When Autopilot is activated users can have Rainbow Road appear on the screen, regardless if they’re on the highway or city streets. This means you don’t always have to have a cowbell when you want a colorful road. This feature is already available for FSD Beta users on 2022.36.20, but it looks like Tesla may be adding an option to automatically enable Rainbow Road visualizations when Autopilot is in use.

Fan Speed

Tesla has an Auto climate system like most cars these days, however, if you change any of the settings, the car will automatically remove the system from Auto. However, that is now changing with this update.

Even when modified the fan speed, the HVAC system will now remain in Auto. Naver, who reported on some of these new features also appears to indicate that Tesla may be switching its fan speeds, removing the 1-10 scale and putting in a much simpler Low, Medium or High.

Phone Call Transfers

As Not A Tesla App first reported, Teslas will request confirmation before transferring a phone call from your smartphone to the speakers in the car.

In addition to transferring cars to the vehicle, you’ll also be able to search your contact list.

Improved Navigation UI

Enhancements are coming to the navigation UI as well. Tesla is redesigning the navigation module that displays your next turn and displays your ETA.

Currently, the module appears at the top of the screen and displays your next turn, your ETA, destination name or address, and battery level on arrival. It also includes controls to cancel navigation, toggle Navigate on Autopilot and a ‘more’ button.

Tesla is essentially splitting this UI into two pieces. The first will remain at the top of the screen and will include critical information about your route, such as your next turn.

The rest of the information will be moved into a new module and appear at the bottom of the screen. This will include your travel time, destination details, as well as options to alter or cancel your navigation.

Apple Music

Without a doubt, Apple Music support has shown up on several wish lists, and Santa has been listening. Tesla will add to its already robust entertainment system with the addition of Apple Music and its 100 million songs. Yes, Tesla’s Bluetooth already enables users the ability to listen to Apple Music, but including the app on the Tesla screen adds another level of awesome.

Mini Music Player

Sticking with the tunes, Tesla is releasing a mini music player that is customizable. Just like the moveable blind spot camera that was introduced a few updates ago, the mini-player can be dragged around the screen. We’re being told it can be placed on the left side, center or right side of the screen.

It’s possible the player will be similar to the one already available in the new Model S and Model X. That player turns mini when docked to the left and becomes a full column when docked on the righthand side of the screen.

You’ll be able to swipe up on the mini music player to reveal additional music options. When swiping upward additional music sources will be revealed. You’ll also be able to switch between favorite stations or playlists.

Zoom App

Zoom let the cat out of the bag early on this gift. During Zoomtopia, the video conferencing platform’s annual event held in early November, Zoom announced it would soon be available in Teslas. The web interface will operate like Netflix and YouTube in a chromeless browser and will only be accessible in park.

From the Zoom announcement video, Tesla will use the interior camera. The cabin camera has a resolution of 1280×960, which is a 4:3 aspect ratio. But Tesla may crop the feed to 16:9, resulting in a resolution of 1280×720 or 720p. To use the Zoom app in your Tesla you’ll need to subscribe to Premium Connectivity.

MyQ Integration

MyQ is a program that enables users to control supported garage doors, gates and lights over WiFi. Until now, users could only control MyQ devices from their smartphones, but Tesla is adding support to their vehicles. Tesla will let users open and close MyQ-supported garage doors in a similar way to how HomeLink works.

HomeLink is included with the Model S and Model X, but it’s a $350 USD add-on for the Model 3 and Y.

However, MyQ integration does not appear to be free. MyQ charges $179 for a 5-year subscription for vehicle use. You also need a smart garage door opener. Most openers can be made smart by adding a MyQ device available at various retailers for approximately $20.

New Video Games

Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that he wants the Tesla to be the most fun you can have in a car. While we’ve heard that there will be at least one new video game in the holiday update, there may be more.

Steam may be part of the Holiday update. It’s estimated Steam has 50,000 games, very different from Tesla’s 20, mostly classic games.

The new Model S and Model X have a gaming computer that keeps pace with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The system includes ten teraflops of processing power. A teraflop is the computer world’s version of horsepower. The PS5 has 10.28, compared to the PlayStation 4 with 1.84. The average Steam user has 55 games on their account. There is code showing up that could support external storage to load additional games.

Cards Make a Return

Prior to last year’s Christmas update that brought Teslas to software v11, the Model 3 and Model Y featured cards in the bottom left corner of the display. These cards let owners flip through bits of information such as the odometer, trips distances, tire pressure readings and access to some controls such as wipers.

With this year’s update, some of these cards are coming back. Tesla is set to reintroduce cards that give you quick access to the vehicle’s odometer and tire pressure readings.

Light Show Sync

While turning on the Light Show easter egg is being added to the smartphone app, there will also be a way to schedule it from your vehicle. This would enable Tesla owners to synchronize their cars to play the show simultaneously. That may make the next Tesla meet-up even more fun.

When turning on the Light Show from your vehicle, you’ll be able to start it immediately or have it wait up to 10 minutes.

More Features in App Update

Remember, there is also the good ol’ Santa Mode easter egg. Now is the time to use it! There are plenty of additions to the Tesla App as well. Read all about the app updates here.

While this is everything we’ve heard, there is likely to be more included in this year’s holiday update. We should find out more in the coming days and weeks.

Now that you’ve spoiled your Christmas morning, you had better order something from one of the many suppliers we feature. Be sure to click the Accessories tab to find discount codes. Merry Christmas!

Ho Ho Ho, hold everything. If you want to spoil your Christmas surprise from Tesla, keep reading. I know you are still reading, so you are on the naughty list! Here we go; the 2022 Holiday Update is a doozy so let’s tear off the wrapping paper and reveal some of the new features that will be coming to the Tesla app.

Light Show Control

No longer will you have to get in the vehicle and scroll through the screen to find the Light Show. Now Tesla owners can activate the fan favorite from the app. A New Years’ song is also rumored to be included, in addition to Carol of Bells. Activating the light show from the app will be far more convenient and fun for someone who uses the Light Show as part of their exterior Christmas decorations. Yes, my neighbors and I may be a little tired of Carol of Bells.

Tesla Emission Increase

That’s right, Tesla is increasing emissions! Just like the Light Show, you will now be able to activate emissions, also known as farting, from your app. The whoopie cushion can be activated while outside of the car. For the pranksters in the crowd, this should bring your game up a level.

According to an article posted on Naver, you’ll be able to activate Emissions Mode by adding it to your Quick Controls near the top of the app. You’ll then be able to pick your fart sound and have the car play it.

It appears that the sounds will come out of the pedestrian warning system (PWS) speaker, so it may be limited to vehicles that have the external speaker installed.

Dog Mode Supervision

Tesla recently improved Dog Mode to work with Sentry Mode. Previously users had to pick one or the other. Now, the company is enabling fur baby parents to view the interior camera to keep an eye on the four-legged buddies.

Recent release notes hinted at cabin camera viewing; now we know why. This is a big one if you have a more naughty than nice dog or puppy-in-training who has used the Tesla as a chew toy.

It’s like the vehicle version of Furbo but without the treat dispenser. Of course, that could be in the new hardware update, but that is unlikely! For those wondering about privacy, this camera will not record, and it’s believed there will be some kind of notification on the screen if the camera is being viewed remotely.

The interior camera will only be viewable while Dog Mode is active. This feature will not add the cabin camera view as an additional camera to Sentry Mode.

MyQ App Support?

Elon Musk will now open your garage door for you! Well, not personally, but MyQ will be included in Tesla’s car Holiday Update. This system uses WiFi to open, close and monitor users’ garage doors. We hope that Tesla will offer more than just garage door support and include support for lights and gates as well.

While it’s not a feature we’ve seen confirmed, we think it a lot of sense for Tesla to integrate MyQ support into their app as well, similarly to how HomeLink is integrated. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s the case.

As great as MyQ integration looks, unfortunately, it looks like MyQ is ready to charge a fee for using their integration — check out the in-depth details here.

There you have it. That’s just some of the new features coming to the Tesla app. If you’d like to see what else is included, be sure to check out our coverage of some of the features coming in the vehicle’s Holiday Update.

So, you’ve spoiled some Christmas presents from Santa Musk. We won’t tell.