Tesla Reveals 2024 Holiday Update: Here’s Everything Coming

Tesla has officially revealed its feature-packed 2024 Holiday Update, an over-the-air release set to roll out next week. This is the best time of the year to be a Tesla owner as this big and free software update makes your car better.

Packed with improvements across safety, navigation, personalization, and entertainment, the update promises something for every Tesla owner.

New Features Coming 

• Tesla App on Apple Watch: Use your Apple Watch as a phone key, check battery charge, open the frunk, and control climate settings.

• Save Dashcam & Sentry Mode Clips to Phone: Watch and save clips directly in the Tesla app for easy editing and sharing.

• Autoshift Between Drive & Reverse: For stalkless Model 3, automatically shift between Drive and Reverse to handle parking lot maneuvers and multi-point turns. This feature is from the refreshed Model S and X and now it’s on the Model 3 (“Highland”).

• Set Arrival Energy at Destination: Customize your desired battery charge level upon arrival at your destination.

• Search Along Route with Detour Times: Navigation results now show stops along your route, including estimated detour times.

• Precipitation Map & Weather Forecasts: Check precipitation and weather conditions directly on the map at your destination.

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Alerts drivers to pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind the car when reversing, with an audible warning.

• Adjust Passenger Seat from Controls: Control unoccupied passenger and second-row seats using the new Seats control panel.
• Maintenance Summary: Track and view maintenance tasks directly on the touchscreen.

Cybertruck-Specific Features

• Custom Wraps and License Plate Personalization: Customize your Cybertruck avatar with preloaded designs or upload your own via USB. Details and templates will be shared via GitHub.

• Rear Camera Improvements: A larger feed and pinch-to-zoom functionality enhance rear camera visibility.
• Rear Arcade: Passengers can now play games from the backseat while on the move.
• Santa Mode: Transform your Cybertruck avatar into Santa’s sleigh, complete with reindeer and elves.

Entertainment & Games

• SiriusXM: Now available for Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.

• TuneIn Radio Upgrade: Enjoy an improved TuneIn Radio experience, now completely free and requiring no setup.
• Schedule Light Show from Tesla App: Control Tesla’s iconic Light Show remotely, including two new shows in this update.
• Boomerang Fu: A new action-packed party game to enjoy with friends.
• Fart on Contact: A playful feature that triggers sound effects upon seat detection.

Other Enhancements

• Dynamic Rerouting: Navigation now dynamically adjusts to avoid road closures.
• Supercharger Notifications: Receive notifications about out-of-service stalls when arriving at a Supercharger.
• Rear Screen Controls: Use the rear screen remote to control video playback while in Drive.
• Lower Music Volume When Reversing: Automatically reduces distractions when reversing.
• Find Nearby Parking: Locate parking spots near your destination or other points of interest.
• Sentry Mode Updates: Get notifications via the Tesla app if a door handle is pulled.
• Energy App Expansion: Consumption tracking now includes Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck.
• Traffic Visibility for Non-Premium Users: Vehicles without premium connectivity can now see traffic details on navigation routes.

The Apple Watch app is going to be a huge hit, since this brings a native phone key to your watch. Previously, Tesla owners had to pay for third-party apps to get Apple Watch functionality. This follows through on a promise from CEO Elon Musk in March, when someone asked about an Apple Watch key.

Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update showcases the company’s continued dedication to improving functionality, safety, and fun for its drivers. We can’t wait to get this–how about you?