Tesla might be preparing an app store for third-party apps and a new finding supports that idea. The automaker has hinted at this sort of development for years. Now, it might use the feature to completely change its infotainment landscape.
Tesla account holders with the official Tesla app can find a new option under “Security.” There, a button called “Manage Third Party Apps” is new. As of this writing, there’s nothing there beyond a selectable empty page but it suggests that something more is coming.
For years, Tesla has hinted at the inclusion of third-party apps. The company never offered Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity, showcasing its will to completely control the user experience. Adding third-party apps through a software development kit (SDK) would make sense as the next step.
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Users could gain access to new mapping tools, new media options, additional software tweaks, and more. They could gain more information about how they drive, charge, and conserve energy. It could also be a way to stand out from other EV automakers like Rivian that still don’t have Android, Apple, or other third-party apps.
Overall, this sounds like a positive move for a company that continues to try and differentiate itself from the competition. That said, it’s not without its issues. Many Android users for example know all too well how different devices can cause the same application to perform quite differently.
Different screen sizes, hardware sets, and data speeds could drastically change third-party app performance from model to model. Tesla will need to keep a tight leash on the chain to continue providing a seamless experience between different models.
Since Tesla doesn’t have a PR department we’re largely left with more questions than answers after this latest development. When might this third-party app store open up? Will there be API fees or other limitations that end up cutting out many players in the market? Until we see more it’s unlikely that we’ll know for sure.
