Tesla is delivering an early gift to its drivers with the 2024 Holiday Update, rolling out as an over-the-air release starting next week (via Tesla North).
This is the company’s annual software update that includes a tonne of features. For Apple users, the big update here is a native Apple Watch app, allowing you to control your Tesla from your wrist. Previously, you had to purchase a third-party Apple Watch app to do that. We had previously heard Tesla was going to make an Apple Watch app and now it has come true.
Here’s a breakdown of everything included, according to Tesla:
Tesla App on Apple Watch
- Use your Apple Watch as a phone key. Nice use of the Apple Watch Ultra, Tesla.
- Access functions like battery status, frunk opening, and climate control.
Save Dashcam & Sentry Mode Clips to Phone
- Watch, save, edit, and share Dashcam and Sentry Mode clips directly from the Tesla app.
Autoshift for Stalkless Model 3
- Automatically shift between Drive and Reverse for parking maneuvers and multi-point turns. This feature first debuted on the Model S and Model X with yoke steering wheel, and now it’s here for the refreshed Model 3.
SiriusXM Compatibility
- Now available for Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles.
Set Arrival Energy at Destination
- Customize your desired battery charge level upon reaching your destination.
Search Along Route with Detour Times
- Filter search results along your route with estimated detour times displayed.
Precipitation Map & Weather Forecasts
- Check real-time precipitation and weather conditions at your destination. This is a pretty cool weather overlay.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Detect pedestrians or vehicles crossing behind the car when reversing, with audible warnings.
Cybertruck Custom Wraps and License Plate Options
- Customize your Cybertruck avatar with preloaded wraps or upload your own designs via USB.
Cybertruck Rear Camera Improvements
- Enjoy a larger camera feed with pinch-to-zoom functionality.
TuneIn Radio Upgrade
- Enhanced performance, completely free, and requires no setup.
Cybertruck Rear Arcade
- Backseat passengers can play games while on the go.
Cybertruck Santa Mode
- Transform your Cybertruck avatar into Santa’s sleigh with reindeer, elves, and more.
Schedule Light Show from Tesla App
- Remotely schedule Light Shows, including two new shows added in this update.
Boomerang Fu Game
- A fast-paced party game where players slice and dice with boomerangs.
Fart on Contact Feature
- A playful prank feature that triggers sound effects upon seat detection. Your mom’s gonna hate this.
Adjust Passenger Seat from Controls
- Use the touchscreen to adjust unoccupied passenger and second-row seats.
Maintenance Summary
- Track and view maintenance tasks directly on the vehicle’s touchscreen.
Other Minor Updates
- Rear screen video playback controls now available in Drive mode.
- Music volume automatically lowers when reversing to reduce distractions.
- Find nearby parking spots at your destination or points of interest.
- Dynamic rerouting around road closures during navigation.
- Sentry Mode sends mobile notifications if a door handle is pulled.
- Expanded Energy App functionality for Model S, X, and Cybertruck.
- Traffic visibility added for vehicles without premium connectivity.
- Supercharger notifications inform you of any out-of-service stalls upon arrival.
This is a major update and is similar to Apple releasing a new iOS update for iPhone. Right now Tesla is offering a deal where you can save $2,600 off a new car, on top of 0% APR financing when you buy Full Self-Driving.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert that is on most cars for last 10 years is now here! ha.ha.