Tesla Opens Robotaxi App Waitlist to All iPhone Users, Android Version Coming
Tesla has opened up the waitlist for its Robotaxi service by making its iOS application available for download to all iPhone users. This marks a significant expansion beyond the initial group of early access testers. The move signals a step towards a broader public rollout, though immediate access to rides is not yet guaranteed for everyone.
The app, simply named Tesla Robotaxi, is now listed on the Apple App Store. A key limitation for now is the lack of an Android counterpart, though the company has stated an Android app is currently in development and will be released in the future.
There are important caveats for interested users. The fully autonomous robotaxi service, utilizing the dedicated Cybercab vehicles, is currently operational only in Austin, Texas. Furthermore, downloading the app does not grant instant access to the service. All new users are placed on a waitlist. However, reports suggest the wait may not be excessively long, with some users gaining access after just a few hours.
Tesla first deployed its fleet of purpose-built Cybercab robotaxis in Austin back in June. The launch was followed by various reports of the vehicles exhibiting unexpected behaviors on city streets. The following month, Tesla initiated a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area. This service, however, operates with human drivers behind the wheel, making it a traditional ride-hailing offering rather than an autonomous one.
The company has not yet received regulatory approval from the state of California to operate a fully driverless robotaxi service. It currently holds a permit that allows it to test autonomous vehicles on public roads, but a safety driver is required to be present during these test rides.
The public release of the app is a clear indication of Tesla’s intentions to scale its autonomous ride-hailing ambitions. By opening the waitlist to everyone, the company is likely gauging interest and building a user base in preparation for future service expansions into new cities, pending regulatory approvals.
