Tesla will stop supporting version 3.x of their app
Joel Christ/Twiter
Users who are still running version 3.x of Tesla's app on Apple devices have recently begun reporting an in-app message that pops up when opening the Tesla app on their phones.
Twitter user Joel Christ made us aware of the in-app messaging. The message indicates that Tesla will no longer support the app after August, 31st, 2022, it encourages the user to update the app to the current version (4.11).
According to Joel the app says "Mobile update is required - This mobile app version will be no longer supported after August 31st 2022. Please update it to use the latest Tesla app."
This could be due to Tesla deprecating certain security methods or other functions that they're transitioning away from or already have already transitioned from in their later app revisions. It could also signal that some major changes may be coming in the near future.
While updating to the latest stable app version is always a good idea for the security patches that routinely come with app updates, this particular deprecation process will exclude some iOS users that still use older devices.
In order to use Tesla's latest app (4.11), one must possess a device that supports iOS 13+.
According to Apple, iOS 13 is only compatible with the following phones.
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE
iOS/iPadOS 13 is also compatible with the 7th generation iPod Touch and a variety of iPad models, although those may be less convenient due to their bigger size or WiFi only connection.
While Apple allows users to download the most recent version of an app that is compatible with their operating system, it looks like Tesla may no longer allow users to sign in to their 3.x app.
The number of iOS users using iPhone 6s and older devices to unlock their Teslas is likely to be low (Apple, in June of 2022, estimated that 90% of Apple devices were running iOS 15), but it will still potentially exclude those device update holdouts from unlocking their car.
Although the Model 3 and Model Y do support a keyfob, it does not come included with one. This change and Tesla's potentially short transition time could be an issue for some owners.
For affected users, the best method to continue to have access to their cars would be to upgrade their device, but they can also consider using third-party Tesla apps or buy a keyfob for their vehicle as a temporary solution.
Tesla's 4.0 version of the app was released in August 2021 and offers many new features and improvements over the 3.x version. For a list of features and changes to the Tesla app, check out our App Updates section.
Happy Birthday to Tesla’s Model 3. It’s hard to believe that five years ago, just 30 Model 3’s had rolled off the assembly line and been delivered. Now Tesla’s answer to a more affordable vehicle is the best-selling electric vehicle in the world, has been named car of the year, is considered one of the safest vehicles on the planet and has a long waiting list of eager buyers.
It’s a birthday, so we should reminisce about the early days. While this iconic car first appeared on the road in 2017, it was on Elon Musk’s to-do list for over a decade.
Elon Musk talks to Wired Science about the Model 3 in 2006
Years later, as it became more of a reality, the car was given the code name BlueStar. It was to be named the Model E, but Ford had already trademarked the wording. Then Musk turned the E into a 3, but he didn’t want the number; he envisioned 3 lines, similar to the current E in Tesla. But Adidas quashed that, arguing it was too close to that brand’s three stripes. So that’s how the 3 was named.
@awadsayeed Yes. Technically Model 3 or maybe three horizontal bars. Won't be three vertical bars.
The Model 3 was supposed to be the smaller, stripped-down version of the Model S to invite more buyers into Tesla and EVs. However, this more affordable, entry-level Tesla holds its own against luxury sedans and even its big sister, the Model S. Tesla has been rolling out several updates throughout the Model 3’s existence, allowing the vehicles to keep up and even pass the Joneses.
In 2019 the Model 3 received a significant software boost when the beta versions of Navigate on Autopilot and Smart Summon were added. Voice commands, a voice keyboard and new language supports were also implemented along with the popular Camp Mode. Once owners posted photos and videos of comfortable beds in the Model 3 with the backseat down, Tesla had to add climate control and a camp fire to complete the experience.
Tesla introduced Dog Mode in Teslas in 2019. In fact, the manufacturer used a Model 3 to unveil the feature to the world. With the help of a sleepy Husky and an excited German Shepherd, Dog Mode was demonstrated to the world on all of Tesla’s social media channels. This made Tesla a must-have for any dog lover!
Also included with the Model 3 in late 2019 and early 2020 was Sentry Mode. This all-encompassing security system records and notifies the owner if anything is happening around or to the Tesla. It’s arguably the most advanced stock vehicle alarm system on the market.
In 2020 the Tesla Toybox was overhauled and updated in all Model 3s. Emissions, sketchpad and many more favorites were revised and made even more fun. But it wasn’t just the games that have been updated; although plenty of games were added over time, Tesla improved it’s maps and dashcam. Later in the year, the Beta version of Full Self Driving was added to all Teslas, including the Model 3. While FSD is still a work in progress, for the system to be available in even the entry-level Model 3 was a big attraction.
A crowd pleaser is the Boombox. This was another addition in 2020 to all models. With the car in park, the boombox blasts music or sound effects through an external speaker. You can even add your own sounds through a USB drive. Perhaps the Boombox should be used by all Model 3 owners to wish their Tesla a happy 5th Birthday!
Elon Musk mentioned that Tesla could announce a new factory location later this year at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting.
During his speech at the shareholder meeting, Elon talked in detail about Tesla's newly opened factories: Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg and Gigafactory Texas.
During the meeting Elon said that Tesla "might be able to announce another factory location later this year." When Elon asked where the next Gigafactory should be, the crowd shouted out various locations. Elon then said:
"We get a lot of Canada. I am half Canadian, maybe I should?"
This is not the first time Elon hinted that Canada could be home to the next gigafactory.
During an employee meeting in June, Elon confirmed that the company was looking at a new site in North America. During the Q and A, an employee asked a question about the location of the next American Gigafactory.
Musk noted that the company had not confirmed the location, but he said it may not necessarily be in the United States:
"We are looking at sites, but we are considering some site options more broadly in North America, so including Canada and Mexico, and the US as well."
Scaling Production
At the shareholder meeting, Elon told investors that Tesla's next Gigafactory will be one of 10-12 factories the company is planning.
"Ultimately, we'll end up building probably at least 10 or 12 Gigafactories and they will be really big Gigafactories aiming for an average output of 1.5 to 2 million units per factory, which is enormous."
If Canada is home to the next Gigafactory, it would most likely be located somewhere in Ontario's "Golden Horseshoe", Canada's most populated and economically productive region. Alberta could also be a good option considering it has favorable business regulations, cheaper energy costs, including Canada's best solar and wind potential, and its proximity to lithium resources.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
DIMO is building a web3, user-owned network dedicated to supporting the next generation of mobility infrastructure. As a user, you can start today by accessing the best connected vehicle experience via the DIMO Mobile App. It works for nearly any vehicle and across any OEM; users are in control of their data and their DIMO wallet is a conduit to other apps and services, saving time and money. Learn more
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
