Tesla is about to release its annual holiday update, which includes a host of new features in entertainment, navigation, safety, and personalization.
Ahead of the 2025 update release (expected to begin within the next 24 hours), Tesla has previewed all the upcoming features. However, due to hardware limitations, not all users (those using HW3/AI3 hardware) will be able to experience all the features.
1. Grok Becomes In-Car Navigator
Tesla's Grok voice assistant has received its first feature expansion. After this update, Grok can add and adjust navigation stops via voice commands, essentially acting as a passenger.
Owners simply need to set Grok's voice assistant mode to "Assistant" to activate navigation control.
Grok supports both AI3 and AI4 models, and this update should be rolled out to owners of both types of vehicles simultaneously.
2. Supercharger Site Maps Debut
Perhaps the biggest highlight of this update is the 3D Supercharger station map. This feature is currently being piloted at 18 locations, 17 in California and 1 in Texas. You can now click "View Map" or, after navigating to a charging station, see the charging pile layout, nearby facilities, and real-time occupancy status broken down by availability.
Given the performance limitations of Intel processors, these mapping features will likely only be available for vehicles equipped with AMD Ryzen processors.
3. Dashcam Viewer Gets Telemetry Overlays
Another major feature eagerly awaited by owners is the improved dashcam viewer. Recorded video clips will now display more telemetry information directly on the screen, including:
- Vehicle speed
- Steering wheel angle
- Driving status (Autopilot/FSD enabled)
These new data points provide drivers with crucial background information when reviewing recordings, especially in the event of an accident or insurance dispute. Owners can also gain a clearer understanding of how the vehicle interpreted the situation if Autopilot or FSD was active at the time.
Driving status information also helps determine whether FSD was enabled when someone shares video clips and provides positive or negative feedback on the system.
Tesla recently released an updated dashcam viewer for AI3 and hopes this feature will also be available for both AI3 and AI4.
4. Navigation & Charging Upgrades
Navigation favorites can be reordered, and home or work locations can be freely set by placing pins. When parked, the system will recommend destinations based on your travel habits. HOV lane route planning is now an optional automatic function, depending on passenger capacity, time restrictions, and local regulations.
Charging is smarter, allowing you to set charging limits based on location and apply them automatically on the next charge. Cybertruck owners can now enable or disable the wireless charging pad via the touchscreen.
5. New Toybox Experiences
This update adds several fun features to make parking more enjoyable for Tesla owners.
Tesla Photobooth transforms the car into a selfie studio, allowing users to directly use filters and shareable stickers via the Tesla App.
6. Santa Mode update
The long-awaited Santa mode has also been updated, adding animated snowflakes, holiday characters, and a new lock chime.
The revamped "Jingle Rush" light show supports timed playback, vehicle synchronization, and richer customization tools, including interior lighting control.
7. Gamers get something new
Gamers can also experience new content—the SpaceX International Space Station Docking Simulator. Players will pilot a spaceship and attempt to dock with the International Space Station using a control system that simulates a real astronaut's interface.
8. Tesla Vehicle Appearance Customization
Previously only available for Cybertruck, the holiday update adds customizable car wraps and license plates. Users can customize their Tesla's appearance in the virtual avatar view, including window wraps, various car wrap designs, and license plate styles.
For those who want to create a truly unique ride, user-created designs can be added via USB.
9. Dog Mode Notifications
Dog Mode Live Activity now pushes periodic cabin snapshots and condition updates directly to the iPhone lock screen.
A Phone Left Behind Chime has also been added, helping to prevent forgotten devices, especially phone keys on the wireless charger, with support for UWB-equipped phones.
