Image: @Tesla on X
You can now strike up a conversation with Grok — xAI’s powerful AI chatbot — right from the driver’s seat. Tesla has begun rolling out its latest over-the-air software update, version 2025.26, and it’s headlined by the long-awaited in-car debut of Grok 4, xAI’s next-generation conversational AI. The update also brings visual and audio enhancements, quality-of-life upgrades, and a new onboarding guide aimed at first-time Tesla owners.
First teased by Elon Musk in January, Grok integration in Tesla vehicles has now arrived — just days after Musk unveiled Grok 4 and said it would be coming to cars “next week at the latest.” Tesla appears to be making good on that promise, with the 2025.26 update “rolling out shortly” to Tesla owners.
In-car Grok is launching in beta and will only be available in the U.S. for now, limited to Tesla vehicles with AMD Ryzen infotainment chips. You’ll be able to access Grok (Beta) under App Launcher > Grok or by pressing and holding the voice button on the steering wheel, and you’ll need either Premium Connectivity or a Wi-Fi connection.
Grok 4 represents a massive leap over its predecessor in terms of reasoning, speed, and conversational ability. Powered by xAI, Grok can now act as a conversational companion inside your Tesla — though for now, it can’t control any vehicle functions. Existing voice commands remain unchanged, and users can choose from multiple Grok personalities and voices, such as “Storyteller” or “Unhinged,” depending on their mood.
“Interactions with Grok are securely processed by xAI in line with their privacy notice,” Tesla noted. “Conversations remain anonymous to Tesla and are not linked to you or your vehicle. Sign in and sync your history across devices or interact in guest mode without an account.” There’s no word yet on when Grok will make its way to Tesla owners in Canada or other regions.
Beyond Grok, update 2025.26 also introduces Light Sync for the new Model 3 and Model Y, 2026 Model S/X, and Cybertruck, allowing accent lights to pulse with your music — or even match album colors for a more immersive vibe.
The update also brings improved audio customization, letting users create and save multiple audio presets, and an upgraded Dashcam viewer that adds zoom, playback speed control, and, for Cybertruck owners, a grid-view interface.
Tesla also made improvements to the Supercharging experience, with arrival-based notifications detailing parking rules, access codes, charger locations (including floor/level), and restroom availability. Additionally, new drivers of the Model 3 and Model Y will now find an Onboarding Guide in Controls > Service, offering tutorials on touchscreen controls, driver profiles, and steering wheel functions like lights, wipers, and Autopilot.
This is one of Tesla’s most substantial updates this year. Has your Tesla received the 2025.26 software update yet? Share your experience in the comments below.
