Tesla Announces Spring Update 2026: Key New Features

Spring Update 2026 is here — these are the confirmed new features.

Self-Driving App (AI4 hardware)

The new Self-Driving app lets you subscribe with one tap, learn how to enable and use the feature, and view live statistics.

Path: App Launcher > Self-Driving.

"Hey Grok"

You can now launch Grok by saying "Hey Grok".

Enable it in Grok > Settings. It also supports location-based reminders (e.g. "remind me to buy milk when I'm near home").

Say "goodbye" to close Grok.

Pet Mode

You can now choose dog, cat, or hedgehog when Pet Mode is active.

You can also customize the screen with your pet's name in Controls > Display > Customize Pet Mode.

Car Visualization (new Model 3 and Model Y)

Adds a new scene environment when parked and higher-quality vehicle visualization.

Trip Stats

You can now create multiple trips to measure energy statistics between drives.

Swipe left on the media player to quickly view trip consumption.

Path: App Launcher > Energy > Trips.

Sketchpad

Sketchpad now supports stickers and emojis.

You can also save drawings to open in the mobile app and share them.

Custom Wraps and License Plates (Model S/X)

Model S and X owners can customize their Tesla avatar with window tints, custom wraps, and license plates.

Path: App Launcher > Toybox > Paint Shop or the paint/plate button in Controls > Software.

Blind Spot Warning Accent Lights

Accent lights now turn red when there is an object in the blind spot and you activate a turn signal, or when an object is detected approaching while the car is parked.

Immersive Sound (new Model 3 and Model Y with premium audio)

Premium Immersive Sound uses advanced extraction to place the listener in front of a detailed soundstage in an immersive space.

Works with all streaming sources.

Path: Settings > Audio > Tone > Immersive Sound.

Automatically Install Updates

Your Tesla can now automatically install downloaded updates overnight.

When enabled, they install while the vehicle is parked and unused.

Path: Controls > Software > Automatically Install Updates.

Weather Maps Improvements

Weather maps now show snow and rain with improved colors to distinguish precipitation types.

You can also view the last hour of weather data to understand how conditions change along your route.

Dashcam Improvements

Recent Dashcam history can now span up to 24 hours.

You can save clips for permanent storage on the vehicle from App Launcher > Dashcam Viewer.

Clips stay in the car and are not shared with Tesla.

Other Improvements

- On Apple Music and Spotify, swipe right on a track to add it to the queue.

- On Apple Music, long-press a track to add or remove from Favorites.

- On Spotify, swipe left to add or remove from Liked Songs.

- Rear passengers can now view and interact with maps on the rear screen while the Tesla navigates a route.