Tesla announced on Monday its Spring Update 2026, a broad software release that introduces a voice-activated Grok AI assistant, a dedicated Self-Driving subscription app, customisable Pet Mode, and automatic overnight update installation across the fleet.
The update is expected to begin rolling out shortly, the company said.
Several of the headline features — including ‘Hey Grok,’ the Self-Driving app, and the updated car visualisation — are restricted to vehicles equipped with Tesla‘s latest AI4 hardware or newer Model 3 and Model Y builds.
Owners of older Hardware 3 and Intel-based vehicles will not receive these features, widening a growing divide between Tesla‘s newer and legacy fleet.
The release lands as Tesla navigates a difficult period for its US sales.
Cox Automotive data published late last week showed the company sold 117,300 vehicles in the United States in Q1 2026, with Cybertruck registrations falling 45.1% year-on-year to 3,519 units — the lowest quarterly figure since deliveries began in November 2023.
“Hey Grok”
The headline feature is “Hey Grok,” a voice-activated interface that allows drivers to launch Tesla‘s Grok AI assistant hands-free.
Once enabled through Grok’s settings menu, the system responds to voice commands and supports location-based reminders — such as “remind me to pick up milk when I’m near home.”
The integration marks Tesla‘s deepest deployment of Grok — the AI chatbot developed by xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company — into the vehicle’s operating system.
Self-Driving App
A new Self-Driving app, accessible through the vehicle’s app launcher, lets owners subscribe to Tesla‘s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software with a single tap.
The app also provides activation instructions and real-time driving statistics.
The feature arrives as FSD (Supervised) expands beyond North America.
The Netherlands became the first European country to approve the system last week, with Dutch owners already reporting positive early experiences on Amsterdam’s narrow streets.
Tesla currently offers FSD at $99 per month in the US, or $7,500 for an outright purchase.
In the Netherlands, the system is priced at €99 per month or €7,500 outright, with a discounted rate of €49 per month for existing Enhanced Autopilot owners.
Pet Mode
Pet Mode now lets owners choose a dog, cat, or hedgehog to display on the screen while the climate system keeps the cabin at a safe temperature.
Model S and Model X owners receive new avatar customisation options, including virtual window tints, custom wraps, and licence plates through the Toybox Paint Shop feature.
Dashcam and Safety
The dashcam system has been expanded to retain up to 24 hours of recent footage, up from the previous limit.
Owners can save any clip for permanent on-vehicle storage.
A new blind spot warning system uses the vehicle’s accent lights, turning them red when an object is detected in the blind spot while the turn signal is engaged, or when an approaching object is detected while parked.
Automatic Updates
Tesla vehicles can now automatically install downloaded software updates overnight while parked and not in use — removing the need for owners to manually approve each installation.
Other additions include Trip Stats, which allows owners to create multiple trip profiles to track energy consumption across drives, accessible by swiping left on the media player.
Weather maps now distinguish between rain and snow with improved colour coding and display the past hour of precipitation data along the route.
The Sketchpad app adds sticker and emoji support with the ability to save and share sketches through the mobile app.
Apple Music and Spotify receive queue management improvements, and rear-seat passengers on vehicles with a rear display can now view and interact with navigation maps during a route.
New Model 3 and Model Y vehicles receive an updated park scene environment and higher-quality car visualisation, along with Immersive Sound — a premium audio feature that uses advanced sound extraction to place the listener in a detailed soundstage.
Cybertruck Sales Context
The spring update arrives as Tesla contends with persistently weak Cybertruck demand.
Cox Automotive’s Q1 data showed just 3,519 US registrations, down from 6,406 a year earlier and 4,140 in the previous quarter.
Tesla introduced a more affordable Dual-Motor AWD Cybertruck trim in February starting at $59,990, but first deliveries are not expected until June.
Orders placed as of Monday now show an estimated delivery date of 2027.
The higher-priced Premium AWD ($79,990) and Cyberbeast ($99,990) trims show delivery estimates of 10 to 12 weeks.
New Model Rumour
Separately, Reuters reported last week that Tesla is developing an all-new compact electric SUV significantly smaller and cheaper than the Model Y.
Tesla management has previously stated it does not plan to launch new vehicles besides fully autonomous models and the upcoming Roadster.
