Top Enhancements Tesla Has Introduced Through Software Updates

Traditionally, cars didn’t improve after leaving the dealership. You bought a vehicle, and that was the final product — unless there was a recall or a DIY modification. Tesla changed this narrative with its software-first approach. By treating the vehicle’s infotainment system like a smartphone, the company has delivered significant, game-changing features for free over time.

As we reflect on the evolution of these updates, the community eagerly anticipates what could be the ultimate “final challenge” of Tesla software: Unsupervised Full Self-Driving. While global implementation is not yet complete, we have already witnessed a glimpse of this future. Recently, Tesla launched fully autonomous Robotaxi rides in Austin, where vehicles are picking up passengers without a driver or a safety monitor inside. This marks a historic milestone that showcases the remarkable progress of the software.

Before we reach the fully autonomous era, let’s highlight the most remarkable features that Tesla has provided to its owners over the years.

Full Self-Driving (Supervised)

Tesla’s driver-assistance suite, Full Self-Driving (Supervised), has always been the standout feature. Developed through years of data collection, this suite can now navigate city streets, handle traffic, wait for pedestrians, and park the vehicle automatically at the destination.

Navigate on Autopilot

Navigate on Autopilot was a significant step towards Full Self-Driving, enabling the car to maneuver from an on-ramp to an off-ramp, including automatic lane changes and handling highway interchanges. This feature transformed long road trips into more relaxed journeys.

In a move to promote FSD adoption over the older Autopilot system, Tesla recently discontinued the latter, leaving new vehicles equipped only with Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC).

AutoPark

Tesla introduced AutoPark in 2019 through a software update, enhancing its speed and accuracy in recent updates. With FSD, your vehicle can even locate a parking spot and park itself.

Boombox / Custom Lock Sounds

In 2023, Tesla allowed owners to customize the locking sound of their cars with the Boombox feature. Owners can select from preset sounds or upload their own via a USB drive.

Additional Boombox features include changing the horn sound when parked, playing music through the external speaker, and more.

Tesla Theater

Tesla Theater, introduced in 2019, brought apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ to the center screen, allowing owners to watch shows or videos while waiting at a Supercharger station.

With a workaround, owners can even watch web streaming services on the vehicle’s rear screen.

Video Games

Tesla Arcade, originally TeslAtari, now offers a variety of modern video games. An interesting addition is the ISS Docking Simulator, featuring controls based on actual NASA interfaces. Owners can even use the steering wheel to play certain games, like Beach Buggy Racing, at Supercharger stations.

High Fidelity Park Assist

Alongside AutoPark, Tesla introduced High-Fidelity Park Assist, providing a 3D representation of the surroundings to help drivers park safely.

Car Wash Mode

Tesla’s Car Wash Mode simplifies the car wash process by automatically adjusting settings for a smoother experience, such as disabling auto wipers and enabling easy shifting to neutral.

Emergency Braking and Collision Avoidance

Tesla prioritizes safety features, like Automatic Emergency Braking, and has improved them over time to enhance vehicle response to potential dangers.

This update significantly improved the safety of older Tesla models.

Lane Departure Avoidance

Tesla’s Lane Departure Avoidance feature not only warns drivers of drifting but also automatically corrects steering to keep the vehicle in its lane, enhancing safety on the road.

Additional Music Services Expansion

Tesla has expanded its Music Services beyond LiveOne to include Spotify, SiriusXM, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, among others.

Apple Podcasts Integration

In 2023, Tesla integrated Apple Podcasts into its infotainment system, enhancing the entertainment options available to drivers and passengers.

These features showcase Tesla’s commitment to continuous improvement through software updates. From seamless syncing of your favorite shows between your phone and car to the integration of Grok Voice Assistant for navigation and personal guidance, Tesla has added numerous innovative features like Dashcam and Sentry Mode, Tesla Light Show, Auto High Beams, Adaptive Headlights, Auto Wipers, climate control options like Dog Mode, Camp Mode, and Keep Climate, Parental Controls, Valet Mode, PIN to Drive and PIN to Open Glovebox for added security, and Weather, Radar Overlay, and Air Quality Index updates. Tesla’s dedication to enhancing the driving experience through software updates ensures that your car keeps getting better over time.