Tesla has begun deploying its 2025.26 software update, introducing a beta version of the ChatGPT rival Grok in US vehicles and improving features across its infotainment, lighting, charging, and driver support systems.
“@Grok now available directly in your Tesla,” the company said Saturday in a post on X, referring to the generative AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s startup xAI.
The Grok integration requires either Premium Connectivity or a Wi-Fi connection and is initially limited to vehicles equipped with AMD processors.
Tesla‘s chief executive Elon Musk said a few days ago that the Grok AI assistant would be integrated into Tesla vehicles “next week.”
Grok is currently in beta and does not control any vehicle functions. “Grok is currently in Beta & does not issue commands to your car – existing voice commands remain unchanged,” Tesla clarified.
Other notable additions include a feature branded Light Sync for new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, 2026 Model S and Model X refreshes, and the Cybertruck.
The company said, “Accent lights now respond to music & you can also choose to match the lights to the album’s color for a more immersive effect.” The feature can be accessed through the Toybox menu.
Tesla also introduced updates to its audio settings, allowing users to create and save multiple custom presets.
A revamped dashcam interface adds zoom and variable playback speed, while Cybertruck users gain access to a grid-style Dashcam Viewer to simplify footage review.
Tesla Charging announced earlier this month that new indicators and notifications would begin rolling out to highlight valet-only or pay-to-park locations. “→ Icons indicating Valet Only or Pay to Park,” Tesla Charging posted on July 4. “→ Notifications for Pay to Park, Parking Floor and Access Code. → All details easily accessible in the site card.”
The main Tesla account added in Saturday’s update that “in the charger list, you can now see which locations require valet service or pay-to-park access.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a notification with access codes, parking restrictions, level or floor information & restroom availability.”
An Onboarding Guide was also introduced for new left-hand-drive versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, providing a walkthrough of essential vehicle functions such as adjusting driver profiles, operating the touchscreen, and managing lights, wipers, and Autopilot controls using the steering wheel.
On the same day of the Grok 4 launch event held earlier this week, X’s chief executive Linda Yaccarino announced her departure from the company.
According to xAI, Grok 4 is capable of “advanced reasoning,” “coding assistance” and fixing source code and “visual processing and image generation” — this last one only available in October.
