As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Tesla remains at the forefront of innovation, consistently pushing boundaries with its software updates. The recent announcement of the 2025 Holiday Update showcases a range of new features that not only enhance functionality but also introduce a playful element to the driving experience. This major update is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to continually improve its vehicles, making them smarter and more enjoyable for owners.
While the update is packed with exciting new options, there were also several anticipated features that did not make the cut this time around. Let’s delve into the key highlights of the update and what it means for Tesla owners.
Exciting New Features of the 2025 Holiday Update
The 2025 Holiday Update introduces a variety of new features designed to enhance user experience, simplify navigation, and add fun elements to the Tesla driving experience. Here are some of the standout additions:
Grok with Navigation Commands (Beta)
One of the most significant improvements is the introduction of Grok, which now allows users to add and edit navigation destinations directly through voice commands. This enhancement marks a departure from the previous reliance on standard voice commands, providing a more intuitive and user-friendly navigation experience.
Furthermore, Grok will offer insights about the destination, such as reviews and nearby points of interest, all enabled through its “Assistant” personality.
Tesla Photobooth
Transform your Tesla into a personalized photobooth! This fun feature allows drivers to take selfies from inside the vehicle, complete with customizable filters, stickers, and emojis. Once you’ve created the perfect snapshot, sharing it through the Tesla app is just a click away.
Dog Mode Live Activity
Tesla is enhancing the popular Dog Mode by enabling live updates on your pet’s comfort while you’re away. Owners can now receive periodic snapshots of the cabin, along with real-time temperature, battery status, and climate conditions, ensuring peace of mind for pet owners.
Dashcam Viewer Update
To improve the utility of Dashcam clips, the update will now include additional data for each clip. Details such as speed, steering wheel angle, and the state of self-driving capabilities will be recorded, providing essential context in the event of an incident.
Santa Mode and Holiday Light Show
The festive spirit is alive with the addition of new graphics, trees, and a charming lock chime in Santa Mode. In addition, a new light show, dubbed “Jingle Rush,” will entertain Tesla owners during the holiday season.
Paint Shop Enhancements
The Colorizer feature has been rebranded as the “Paint Shop,” allowing users to personalize their Tesla avatars with various options. Owners can choose from preloaded designs or upload custom wraps and license plates using a USB flash drive for a more personal touch.
Navigation Improvements
Several enhancements have been made to the navigation system:
- Introducing a “Favorites” tab to easily reorder destinations.
- Home and Work can now be set by simply dropping a pin.
- Suggested Destinations will be based on recent trips and habits.
Supercharger Site Map
This feature stands out as a major improvement, allowing drivers to view a 3D representation of select Tesla Supercharger stations. By tapping “View Site Map,” users can see the layout of the site, check live occupancy, and discover nearby amenities, significantly enhancing the Supercharging experience.
Automatic Carpool Lane Routing
To streamline travel, navigation now includes the option to automatically route through carpool lanes when available. This feature aims to save time for those who qualify for carpool access.
Phone Left Behind Chime
To enhance safety, if the car’s occupant detection system identifies no one inside and detects a phone key, or if a phone is left in the cabin, a chime will sound moments after the doors close.
Charge Limit Per Location
Users can now set a charge limit for each location while parked, which will automatically apply the next time they charge at that site, making charging more convenient.
ISS Docking Simulator Game
In collaboration with SpaceX, Tesla has introduced a new game in its in-car Arcade, allowing users to experience the thrill of docking with the International Space Station. This 3D simulator is designed to emulate the actual controls used by NASA astronauts.
Additional Enhancements
- Enable or disable wireless phone charging pads through controls.
- Add Spotify tracks to your queue directly from the search screen.
- Enjoy vibrant rainbow colors during Rave Cave sync with music.
- Customize lock sounds with options like Light Cycle from Tron Mode.
Anticipated Features Not Included
While the Holiday Update brings a wealth of new features, there are several notable absentees that many Tesla owners were hoping to see:
Banish Feature
The much-anticipated Banish functionality, which would allow drivers to exit the vehicle while it autonomously finds parking, has once again been delayed. This feature, often referred to as “Reverse Summon,” has been teased for years but remains in development.
Apple CarPlay Integration
Despite rumors and indications that Tesla was working towards integrating Apple CarPlay, it was not included in this update. While some may miss this feature, many argue that Tesla’s native user interface offers superior functionality.
Parking Spot Selection
One of the ongoing frustrations with the Full Self-Driving v14 is the inability to choose specific parking spots. Tesla has indicated that this feature is under development, and future updates are expected to include parking spot selection capabilities, which would be a significant improvement for owners living in areas with designated parking.
The 2025 Holiday Update is a clear demonstration of Tesla’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. While it delivers numerous exciting enhancements, the absence of certain anticipated features reminds us that the company is still on a journey to perfect its technology. As Tesla continues to push boundaries, owners can look forward to more updates and improvements in the future.