Tesla has unwrapped its 2024 Holiday Update, and it is shaping up to be one of the most feature-packed updates in the company’s history. According to Tesla, the 2024 Holiday Update is scheduled to start rolling out within the next week, and this over-the-air (OTA) update will be packed with new safety features, tools, entertainment options, and customizations, some of which have been asked for by owners for years.
Here’s a closer look at what Tesla owners can look forward to this holiday season.
Tesla App on Apple Watch
Earlier this year Elon Musk finally said yes to adding Apple Watch and other smart watch support, and it is coming as part of the Holiday Update. Tesla owners with an Apple Watch will now be able to use it as a phone key. The app also enables users to monitor battery charge, control climate settings, and even open the frunk right from your wrist.
Unfortunately for Android users and those with other smartwatches, it looks like only Apple Watch support will be included, at least for now.
Dashcam & Sentry Mode Integration with Phones
It has always been a bit of a hassle to remove the USB drive from your car and plug it into a computer to download important clips, leading most people to simply take a video of the clip playing on the in-car display. But with the 2024 Holiday Update, Dashcam and Sentry Mode clips can now be saved directly to your phone. Not only that, but the app also allows you to view, edit, and share these recordings.
Additionally, Sentry Mode now sends app notifications if a door handle is tampered with.
Autoshift for Stalkless Model 3
This feature is just for Tesla’s stalkless Model 3, which now supports Autoshift functionality, automatically toggling between Drive and Reverse for complex parking lot maneuvers and multi-point turns. This feature is already available on the Model S and Model X.
SiriusXM and TuneIn Upgrades
A few months ago SiriusXM accidentally revealed a new streaming service was coming to Tesla, and it is arriving in the Holiday Update, with Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners gaining access to SiriusXM. Meanwhile, TuneIn Radio has seen some unidentified improvements, and remains free.
Smarter Navigation Tools
Tesla’s navigation has received multiple upgrades, one of which is probably the most requested feature – a weather overlay to show precipitation along your route and the expected weather conditions at your destination. You can now also search for points of interest along your route, and set your desired state of charge at your destination (this goes well with the recent update to Trip Planner).
Safety Enhancements
Another often requested feature is finally coming to your Tesla – Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This safety feature, available on other cars for over a decade, detects pedestrians and vehicles when reversing and provides both visual and audible warnings.
Cybertruck Updates
Not to be left out, the Cybertruck gets a host of exclusive features:
- Custom Wraps & License Plates: Personalize your Cybertruck’s avatar with custom wraps and plates using Tesla’s preloaded designs or upload your own via USB.
- Rear Camera Enhancements: Enjoy a larger rear camera feed with pinch-to-zoom capabilities.
- Rear Arcade: Turn the backseat into an entertainment hub with new games.
- Santa Mode: Transform your Cybertruck into Santa’s sleigh, complete with Optimus and reindeer and elves.
Expanded Control and Fun Additions
There are also a whole bunch of other more minor upgrades as part of the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update.
- Schedule Light Shows: Two new light shows can now be remotely scheduled via the Tesla app.
- Adjust Passenger Seat from Controls: Use the new Seats control panel to reposition unoccupied passenger seats, including second-row options.
- Boomerang Fu Game: A party game where you slice and dice your friends with boomerangs joins Tesla’s growing library of in-car games.
- Maintenance Summary: A dedicated screen tracks maintenance tasks for your vehicle, providing reminders and insights.
- Model S, X, and Cybertruck now have enhanced energy consumption tracking.
- Volume automatically lowers when reversing.
- Navigation dynamically reroutes around road closures.
- Improved parking search functionality.
- Notification of out-of-service Supercharger stalls upon arrival.
You can read the full details and descriptions of the Holiday Update from Tesla here.
