Tesla Launches iPad and iPhone Duo App
The redesigned interface features a dedicated layout with a left-side menu and large vehicle visualization, rolling out slowly over the next two weeks.
Tesla has begun rolling out a redesigned mobile application optimized for larger screens, including the iPad, Android tablets, and Apple’s new iPhone Duo. The update replaces the previous stretched phone interface with a dedicated layout that leverages the additional display real estate.
What Happened
According to Tesla UI engineer Alex Guichet, the new app features a split-screen design with the main menu on the left and a detailed vehicle visualization on the right. The menu retains standard sections such as Controls, Climate, Location, Self-Driving, Summon, and Charging, while displaying quick status details like cabin temperature and FSD usage. Users can now view submenus on the left without losing context, as details populate the right side of the screen. The vehicle visualization is more detailed than the mobile version, mimicking the in-car interface with ambient lighting and reflections. New features include a 'Customize Controls' button for quick actions and a 'Show PSI' button to display tire pressure directly on the visualization. Tesla Energy customers also receive an updated Home Status screen featuring a 3D house model with live readings for solar, Powerwall, and grid usage.
Why It Matters
This update addresses long-standing user feedback regarding the poor utility of the Tesla app on tablets and foldable devices. Previously, running the iPhone app on an iPad resulted in a stretched, low-resolution interface that wasted screen space. The new layout improves information density and usability for owners who manage their vehicle or home energy systems via larger displays. The support for the iPhone Duo, which begins shipping this week, indicates Tesla’s effort to align with emerging hardware trends, allowing users to switch between a big-screen layout on the inner display and the standard phone layout on the outer screen.
The Bottom Line
The redesigned Tesla app is currently in a slow rollout phase, with Guichet stating it may take one to two weeks for all users to receive the update on the App Store and Google Play. Tesla engineers have indicated that further improvements to the big-screen layout are planned for future updates.
