Tesla enthusiasts will often emphasize that owning a Tesla means your car improves over time, sometimes even overnight. This claim, is far from being just enthusiast rhetoric, as it actually does hold true. As of April 16, Tesla further affirmed this claim by announcing their new Spring Software Update on X, featuring a rather large UI overhaul among other new features and improvements.
Visual Updates
Those familiar with the Cybertruck know that its interface features a full-screen UI, with a large 3D model of the vehicle that drivers can fully interact with and use to control various car functions, like opening the frunk. While all Tesla models include a version of this interface, it’s more basic in comparison. However, the Spring Update will extend this full-screen 3D interface to the Model 3 and Model Y, while also including larger media controls and a smaller map display for navigation located in the top-right. Unfortunately, though, this UI overhaul is only available for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with the AMD Ryzen chipset. So, sadly, older models with Intel chips won’t see this UI makeover.
New App Updates
A much-requested native app is finally coming to Tesla vehicles, that being the Audible app, allowing drivers to listen to their favorite audiobooks without needing to connect through Bluetooth audio.
Another exciting update, and my personal favorite, is to the Spotify app, which will now include the Queue feature natively. Previously, users had to manually queue songs with their phone in the Spotify app, which essentially defeated the purpose of the in-car Spotify app. But this update eliminates this inconvenience and also introduces a playback speed adjustment feature, for those who prefer listening to their music at 2x speed for some reason.
Driving Dynamics Improvement for Model S & X
The Spring update will also enhance regenerative braking on the highway for Model S and Model X vehicles from 2021 and above. A subtle yet nice quality-of-life improvement in driving dynamics.
Hands-Free Trunk Opening
A practical feature in the update is hands-free trunk opening for the 2021+ Model S and X, and the New Model 3. According to Tesla’s announcement on X, “Stand still behind your trunk with Phone Key & the trunk will open on its own.” This is an incredibly useful feature for when your hands are full and need to load the trunk. Although I can’t help but wonder if accidental triggers will begin to happen. But only time will tell if this becomes an issue.
Sentry Mode Previews From Phone
Tesla’s Sentry Mode, the vehicle’s external camera monitoring system, has, for quite a while, alerted owners via their phone when a person or vehicle comes in close contact with their Tesla. However, viewing the recorded clips has always required viewing them directly from within the car. But the Spring update changes this by allowing remote viewing of Sentry Mode clips from your phone through the Tesla app.
Auto Shift Improvements for Model S & X
Auto Shift, specifically on the Tesla Model X and S from 2021 and above is getting improvements with the Spring update. This update will allow the vehicle to automatically switch between Drive and Reverse according to your surroundings, in addition to shifting out of Park.
More Info on Rear Passenger Screen
For vehicles equipped with rear passenger displays, this update will now provide passengers with more detailed information regarding trip specifics, time, and temperature. This means no more obnoxious passengers in the back asking what the arrival time is!
Considering how lackluster the past Tesla Holiday update was, it’s refreshing to see such large and genuinely useful improvements come with this software update. Tesla has not yet announced an official release date, but we will post updates on X as soon as it becomes available publicly.
