A recent teardown of Tesla App v4.52.0 has uncovered several code strings referencing a “Harmony Wallet Key Card,” hinting that Tesla may be preparing a new system-level digital key solution for HarmonyOS devices.
While this is not direct evidence of upcoming Apple Wallet or Google Wallet support, it is a notable development—one that aligns closely with Tesla’s typical rollout strategy and may signal broader plans ahead.
A Feature Clearly Aimed at the Chinese Market
Based on the naming and implementation details, the Harmony Wallet Key Card appears to be designed specifically for Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem. The feature would allow Tesla owners to add their vehicle key card directly to Huawei Wallet, enabling native, system-level key functionality without relying on the Tesla app running in the background.
This type of “native car key” differs fundamentally from app-based Bluetooth keys. It typically operates using NFC, Bluetooth, or even UWB, and is deeply integrated into the operating system—resulting in greater reliability, faster response times, and enhanced security.
For users, this could mean:
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Native Tap-to-Unlock functionality
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No dependency on the Tesla app running in the background
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In some implementations, limited key functionality even when the phone is powered off or the battery is depleted
While Tap-to-Unlock already exists on Android, it still requires the device to be powered on. True system-level integration—especially on iOS—represents the gold standard for digital car keys.
Why HarmonyOS Makes Sense?
From a market perspective, this move is logical.
China is Tesla’s largest overseas market, and Huawei continues to hold a dominant position in the Chinese smartphone ecosystem. At the same time, Huawei is aggressively promoting NearLink, its ultra-low latency wireless technology, which has already been deployed in vehicles like the Huawei/Seres AITO M9.
Against this backdrop, prioritizing HarmonyOS wallet integration allows Tesla to align with local ecosystem trends while strengthening its product competitiveness in the Chinese market.
Competitors Are Moving Faster in North America
The timing of this discovery is particularly interesting when compared to developments in North America.
Just this month, Rivian rolled out its 2025 Holiday Update (2025.46), officially introducing native digital key support for both Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Rivian’s implementation is based on the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard and delivers several advantages over traditional app-based keys:
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Key functionality for up to approximately five hours after the phone’s battery is depleted
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Secure key sharing via iMessage, WhatsApp, and AirDrop
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Native Apple Watch support without the need for a dedicated watch app
By contrast, Tesla continues to rely primarily on its proprietary Phone Key. While generally reliable, it remains vulnerable to background app termination, Bluetooth wake failures, and OS-level power management behavior.
The Longstanding Demand for Apple & Google Wallet Support
For years, Tesla owners have been asking for native Apple Wallet and Google Wallet support. The appeal is straightforward: system-level keys live in a device’s secure element, function independently of app state, and provide a more seamless “always-available” key experience.
The appearance of Harmony Wallet-related code in Tesla App v4.52.0 confirms one important point—Tesla is technically capable of building native wallet integrations and is actively exploring them.
The remaining question is simple but significant:
Is this a China-only initiative, or the first step toward finally bringing Apple Wallet and Google Wallet support to Tesla vehicles worldwide?
