Tesla appears to be quietly preparing a camera change for its current Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4) platform, as hinted at in the latest vehicle software. Well-known Tesla hacker and code sleuth @greentheonly discovered new references to an “IMX00N” camera sensor in recent firmware builds, signaling a departure from the Sony IMX963 units used since early 2023.
The IMX963 brought significant improvements in image clarity for HW4, boasting 5-megapixel resolution, enhanced dynamic range, and better low-light performance compared to the older HW3 system. These sensors power crucial features such as Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (FSD), and Sentry Mode, making any change to the camera stack potentially impactful.
The exact nature of IMX00N remains unclear, with the designation appearing more like an internal placeholder or partial part number rather than an official Sony sensor ID. However, the shift from IMX963 to IMX00N in the firmware hints at a transition to a new camera component. Whether this change signifies a significant upgrade, a supply-chain-driven swap, or a minor manufacturing revision is something that only hands-on owners can confirm once vehicles with the new sensor are in circulation.
This camera update is part of Tesla’s iterative approach to HW4, which will continue to support the company’s lineup until the next-generation AI5 platform enters mass production around 2027. Elon Musk has teased that AI5 will be Tesla’s most powerful inference chip yet, surpassing the capabilities of the current HW4 system. By refining camera hardware now, Tesla could be laying the foundation for more advanced neural-network improvements in the future.
The introduction of IMX00N raises several questions about potential improvements in FSD reliability, changes in Autopilot performance, and the overall impact of the upgrade. As is customary with Tesla hardware changes, the true effects will only become apparent once owners start sharing their real-world experiences.
As we await the rollout of new Model 3 and Model Y builds equipped with the IMX00N camera, it will be interesting to see if this subtle hardware change leads to noticeable enhancements on the road. Stay tuned for updates as we monitor the evolving landscape of Tesla’s technological advancements.