A teardown of the latest Tesla App (v4.52.0) has revealed code referencing a potential upcoming feature: Harmony Wallet Key Cards.
While this sounds like a step toward supporting Apple Wallet keys, it appears to be targeting specifically the Chinese market, leveraging Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem. However, Tesla typically introduces features in the Chinese market first, so this could hint that Tesla plans to add native support for Apple and Android in the future.
The Discovery
Code strings found in v4.52.0 explicitly reference a Harmony Wallet Key Card. This points to integration with the Huawei Wallet, allowing users with HarmonyOS devices to add their Tesla keycard directly to their phone’s system-level wallet.
This functionality, often referred to as a “native” car key, allows a phone to act as a secure key card (NFC) or proximity key (Bluetooth/UWB) without the Tesla app running in the background. It also enables additional features, such as Tap-to-Unlock and deeper system-level integration.
While Tap-to-Unlock is already available natively on Android devices, it is only available while your device is powered on. System-level integration would enable key use on iOS, even when the phone is powered off.
Given Huawei’s dominance in China and the recent push for NearLink in China (Huawei’s ultra-low latency wireless tech) in vehicles like the Huawei/Seres AITO M9, this move makes sense for Tesla’s largest overseas market.
Following the Trend
The timing of this discovery is notable because it contrasts sharply with Tesla’s competitors in North America. Just this month, Rivian rolled out its 2025 Holiday Update (2025.46), which officially added native digital key support for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
Rivian’s implementation uses the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard, offering a host of benefits over a standard app-based Bluetooth key. That includes working on devices up to 5 hours after the battery has died, secure sharing over iMessage, WhatsApp, and Airdrop, as well as native watch support without a bespoke watch app.
The Want for Apple & Google
For years, Tesla owners have requested native Apple and Google Wallet support. While Tesla’s proprietary Phone Key is generally reliable, it relies on the app running in the background, and can occasionally be killed or stalled by the phone’s OS to save battery.
A native wallet key would be the gold standard for digital vehicle access because it lives on a phone’s secure elements and works regardless of app state.
With the Harmony Wallet code now present in the app, it proves Tesla is capable and willing to build these integrations. The question remains: is this an exclusive push for China, or a sign that Apple and Google Wallet support is finally on the roadmap?
