Tesla has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated 2025 Holiday Update, unveiling a diverse array of features designed to enhance functionality and entertainment for its users. This update comes at a time when electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a staple in the automotive industry, and Tesla aims to maintain its edge by continuously innovating.
While there is much to celebrate in this latest update, some features that enthusiasts and users hoped to see are notably absent. Nonetheless, the inclusion of several exciting updates showcases Tesla’s commitment to improving user experience.
Overview of the 2025 Holiday Update
The 2025 Holiday Update is packed with innovative features that cater to both practical needs and entertainment. With a focus on enhancing the driving experience, Tesla has rolled out updates that improve navigation, safety, and user interaction with their vehicles.
New Features Included in the Update
The update introduces a series of features that Tesla drivers have been eagerly awaiting. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most noteworthy additions:
Grok with Navigation Commands (Beta)
One of the standout features is the integration of Grok, Tesla’s AI assistant, which now supports voice commands for navigation. Users can add and edit destinations with ease, enhancing the navigation experience significantly. Grok will also provide insights into your destination, including nearby points of interest and reviews, making trips more informative.
Tesla Photobooth
Transforming your car into a fun photobooth, this feature allows drivers to take selfies with filters, stickers, and emojis directly from their Tesla. Users can share their creations through the Tesla app, merging driving pleasure with creativity.
Dog Mode Live Activity
For dog owners, an upgraded Dog Mode now allows for live monitoring of your pet. The feature provides periodic snapshots of the cabin alongside real-time updates on temperature and climate conditions, ensuring your furry friend remains comfortable while you’re away.
Dashcam Viewer Update
Safety is paramount, and the Dashcam Viewer Update offers crucial additional information during accidents. New details such as speed, steering wheel angle, and the state of the self-driving feature will now be included in the dashcam clips, helping users better understand incidents.
Enhanced Light Shows and Customization Options
Tesla has introduced a new festive light show called Jingle Rush, alongside updated graphics for the Santa Mode. Additionally, the Colorizer feature, now renamed Paint Shop, enables users to personalize their Tesla avatars with window tints, wraps, and license plates, further enhancing customization options.
Navigation Improvements
Improving navigation efficiency, drivers can now reorder destinations through a new “Favorites” tab, and set their Home and Work locations with a pin drop. Suggested destinations based on recent trips will also streamline travel planning.
Supercharger Site Map and Routing Enhancements
Perhaps the most significant addition is the 3D view of Supercharger sites. By tapping “View Site Map,” users can see site layouts, live occupancy, and nearby amenities when navigating to charging locations. This feature will gradually expand to more Supercharger stations for improved convenience.
Automatic Carpool Lane Routing
The navigation system now includes an automatic selection for carpool lanes when eligible, optimizing travel times for users who frequently commute.
Phone Left Behind Chime
A new safety feature that alerts drivers if they leave their phone behind in the car. If the in-car occupant detection does not sense anyone inside when the doors close, a chime will sound, preventing users from forgetting their devices.
Charge Limit Per Location
Tesla now allows users to save a charge limit for specific locations. This feature ensures that the next time you charge at a particular station, the saved limit is automatically applied, enhancing charging efficiency.
ISS Docking Simulator Game
In collaboration with SpaceX, Tesla has added an engaging game to its Arcade: the ISS Docking Simulator. In this game, users can experience what it is like to be an astronaut by docking with the International Space Station using controls modeled after NASA interfaces.
Additional Improvements
- Enable or disable wireless phone charging pads from the Controls menu.
- Add Spotify tracks to your queue directly from the search screen.
- Enhance the ambiance in your car with rainbow colors synced to music during Rave Cave.
- New lock sounds include a theme from Tron, accessible via the Toybox.
Features Not Included in the Update
Despite the excitement surrounding the new features, several anticipated functionalities were notably absent from the 2025 Holiday Update. Here’s a look at what users were hoping to see:
Banish Feature
For years, Tesla has teased the Banish feature, which would allow the car to park itself after dropping off the driver. This highly anticipated feature, often referred to as “Reverse Summon,” is still in development.
Apple CarPlay Integration
With ongoing speculation about Tesla’s potential integration with Apple CarPlay, many were looking forward to its inclusion in this update. However, Tesla’s in-car user interface remains a strong alternative that many drivers prefer.
Parking Spot Selection
A significant point of frustration among users is the inability to select parking spots via the Full Self-Driving features. This capability is particularly desired by those living in environments with designated parking areas, and Tesla indicates that it is working on future capabilities to address this issue.
Looking Ahead: Future Updates and Enhancements
As Tesla continues to innovate, users can expect ongoing enhancements and new features in subsequent updates. The company’s commitment to improving the user experience is evident, and with each software rollout, the driving experience becomes more integrated with technology.
Moreover, Tesla’s focus on safety, customization, and entertainment demonstrates its understanding of what modern drivers want. As electric vehicle technology evolves, so too will the features offered by Tesla, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.