Tesla is getting ready to push its Spring Update for 2026, and while it doesn’t overhaul the driving experience overnight, it introduces several notable additions—including detailed Full Self-Driving (FSD) usage stats, a new “Hey Grok” wake up word and improved voice commands, and enhanced blind spot warning lights that integrate directly with the cabin’s ambient lighting.
Alongside these headline features, the update delivers a wide range of smaller improvements aimed at refining everything from audio quality to trip tracking and in-car entertainment.
However, there are also some features missing from the update that we expected would be included.
FSD Stats
One of the more notable changes is the introduction of a redesigned Self-Driving app for vehicles equipped with AI4 hardware. The new interface makes it easier for owners to subscribe to Tesla’s driver-assist package with a single tap, while also providing clearer guidance on how to activate and use the feature.
More importantly however, Tesla has introduced a more detailed look at how drivers are actually using the system.
The new stats dashboard provides a clear breakdown of usage, including the percentage of miles driven with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged compared to total distance traveled.
The interface also introduces streak tracking, highlighting how consistently drivers are using the system over consecutive days. This gamified element could encourage more frequent engagement, particularly among new users still getting comfortable with the technology.
A weekly view shows which days FSD was used, while a monthly chart visualizes total distance driven under self-driving, making it easy to spot trends over time.
Grok Gets an Upgrade
Voice interaction is also getting a boost with the addition of a wake up word, or in this case words – “Hey Grok.” This means Grok can be launched hands-free simply by saying “Hey Grok.” Along with the wake word, Grok now supports more natural commands, including location-based reminders. Drivers can, for example, ask the system to remind them to pick something up when they arrive home, adding a layer of convenience that goes beyond simple voice controls.
Unfortunately, we’re still waiting for Grok’s voice commands to integrate with vehicle functions, but hopefully that is coming soon.
Dog Mode Becomes Pet Mode
Tesla made Dog Mode famous, and now it is evolving beyond our furry K9 friends to be more inclusive. With the Spring Update, Dog Mode has been re-branded to Pet Mode, allowing owners to choose between different animals—including a dog, cat, or even a hedgehog—and display their pet’s name on screen.
New Visualization for New Model 3/Y
Owners of the latest Model 3 and Model Y are getting an exclusive feature in the 2026 Spring Update, with enhanced vehicle visuals and a refreshed parking environment, which Tesla says makes the interface feel more polished.
Other Improvements
Tesla is also expanding its customization options for Model S and Model X. Owners can now digitally modify their vehicle’s appearance within the UI, adding custom wraps, license plates, and even window tint to their on-screen avatar. Model 3 and Model Y owners got this feature in last year’s Holiday Update.
On the practical side, Tesla has improved trip tracking by allowing drivers to create and monitor multiple journeys, complete with detailed energy consumption data.
Dashcam functionality has also been expanded, with footage now accessible for up to 24 hours, a feature we told you about earlier this year when it first launched in China. Also new is anoption to save clips directly to the vehicle instead of your USB drive for later viewing.
Safety and comfort haven’t been overlooked. Tesla has integrated a new blind spot warning functionality into the vehicle’s ambient lighting, turning accent lights red when a potential hazard is detected. At the same time, the updated Model 3 and Model Y equipped with premium audio gain a new immersive sound setting designed to create a more dynamic listening experience across all streaming sources.
Rounding out the update are smaller but useful improvements, including better weather map visuals that distinguish rain from snow, automatic overnight overnight software installations (no more having to schedule an install!), and enhanced music controls for Apple Music and Spotify users.
Rear-seat passengers can now also interact with navigation maps, adding more functionality for those in the back.
What’s Missing From the 2026 Spring Update?
There are two big features missing from the 2026 Spring Update, one of them being “if this then that” (IFTT) automations. Like the Dashcam improvements that debuted in China earlier this year and are now coming to North America, IFTTT functionality was also part of that update, allowing owners to set up automations like reminding the driver “Please don’t forget your belongings” when the door opens and they’re seated.
We were fully expecting to see it launch with the Spring Update in North America, but it appears as though Tesla has held its release back for an unknown reason.
Then of course there is Apple CarPlay, which was rumoured to be part of the 2025 Holiday Update, but it never materialized. Later reports indicated it was delayed due to iOS 26 and Apple Maps compatibility issues, but was still being worked on. Apparently, those bugs haven’t been ironed out yet and we continue to wait for Apple CarPlay.
Was there anything else you were hoping for in the Spring Update? Let us know in the comments below.
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 13, 2026
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