Samsung Galaxy Watch users can now operate vehicle functions such as remote starting and door locking through integrated apps.. This functionality supports brands like Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai, effectively migrating car key capabilities to the wrist.
Toyota's $15 to $30 Monthly Paywall
The Toyota Remote Connect app serves as a primary example of how automotive brands are integrating with the Samsung Galaxy Watch. According to the report, owners of compatible hybrid and electric models can access remote start, locking mechanisms, and interior light controls directly from their wearable. However, this convenience comes with a recurring cost, as Toyota offers subscription plans ranging from $15 to $30 per month.
While new models typically include a one-year free trial, the report notes that the Remote Connect subscription is mandatory for watch-based control. This creates a tiered experience where the hardware is capable, but the software functinality is locked behind a monthly payment, reflecting a broader industry trend toward "Software as a Service" (SaaS) for vehicle features.
The FordPass Connect Modem Requirement
Ford takes a different approach by offering the FordPass and Sync integration for free, avoiding the subscription model used by Toyota. As the source details, the primary barrier for Ford owners is hardware-based; the vehicle must be equipped with a compatible modem, identified by a FordPass Connect or SYNC Connect sticker on the dashboard.
Once the FordPass app is linked to a Samsung Galaxy Watch, users can trigger the horn, lock doors, and check charging status for electric vehicles. However, the watch app provides only a subset of the features available on the full smartphone application, meaning the wearable acts more as a shortcut than a full replacement for the FordPass mobile interface.
Tessie's $19.99 Fleet-Level Workaround for Tesla
Because Tesla does not provide an official Wear OS application for the Samsung Galaxy Watch, users have turned to third-party solutions like Tessie. tessie is an open-source alternative that allows Tesla owners to monitor battery levels, view mileage, and set automations from their wrist.
Tessie operates on a freemium model, offering a two-week trial before requiring a paid plan. For those needing deep telemetry and diagnostics, Tessie offers a fleet-level plan priced at $19.99 per month, alongside standard and pro tiers. This reliance on third-party developers highlights a gap in Tesla's official wearable strategy compared to legacy automakers.
Hyundai Bluelink's Wear OS 2 Compatibility
Hyundai provides car-control capabilities through the Bluelink and Bluelink+ services, which integrate directly with the Samsung Galaxy Watch. This system allows users to monitor fuel gauges for combustion engines or battery levels for EVs, while also providing access to the vehicle's horn and light controls.
From a technical standpoint, the report specifies that Samsung firmware currently supports Wear OS 2, meaning any Samsung Galaxy Watch running Android Wear OS 2 or later can utilize the full suite of Hyundai Bluelink functions. This ensures a wide range of legacy Galaxy Watch models remain compatible with newer Hyundai vehicles.
The Security Risks of Bluetooth-to-Telematics Links
The integration of Samsung Galaxy Watch apps with vehicle telematics represents a shift toward the "software-defined vehicle," where physical keys are replaced by digital tokens. By bridging the watch to the car via a smartphone's Bluetooth connection and the car's cellular network, manufacturers are prioritizing friction-less entry and climate control.
However, several critical questions remain unanswered in the current reporting. Specifically, the source does not detail the security protocols in place if a Samsung Galaxy Watch is stolen or lost—whether there is a remote "kill switch" for car access. Additionally, it remains unclear if these apps introduce latency issues that could affect time-sensitive commands, such as emergency locking, or if there are specific data-privacy agreements regarding how telematics data is shared between Samsung and the car manufacturers.
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