Tesla’s Holiday Update Rolls Out Smart and Fun Upgrades

Tesla’s annual Holiday Update has arrived, and this year’s version leans into practical upgrades that makes the day to day easier. There are still plenty of playful additions, but the real story is how Tesla continues to sharpen the ownership experience through software.

The new Dog Mode snapshot feature is one of the standout updates. When Dog Mode is active, your phone receives periodic cabin photos along with real-time temperature and battery information. It’s a simple upgrade that gives pet owners more confidence when they step away from the car for a moment.

Charging also gets more convenient. Tesla now supports location-based charging limits. Set a custom limit at home, at work or at your go-to fast charger and the car remembers it automatically. This is especially helpful for drivers who charge in multiple spots throughout the day and want a consistent battery strategy without adjusting settings every time.

Navigation sees a boost with Tesla’s Grok voice assistant. You can edit destinations through voice commands, which reduces the need to tap around the screen while driving. Setting Home or Work still requires a touch, but day-to-day adjustments feel faster.

One of the most interesting additions is the early rollout of Tesla’s 3D Supercharger view. They show real-time stall availability with a clean, top-down view of the station layout. It’s currently live at only 18 locations, but if owners embrace it, there’s no doubt Tesla will expand it.

The Dashcam Viewer sees a major boost too. Recorded footage now includes overlays for speed, steering angle and driver-assistance status. This extra context can make reviewing incidents much easier and gives owners stronger evidence when dealing with insurance or disputes.

Tesla also brought back the playful side of the Holiday Update. Santa Mode returns, along with virtual wraps, custom plates and in-car selfies with stickers and filters. None of these features affect the drive, but they keep the experience fun.

A big seasonal addition comes from the updated Light Show feature. Tesla added a new sequence synced to “Jingle Rush.” You can play it instantly or schedule it up to 10 minutes ahead. Owners can run it on a single vehicle or sync multiple Teslas together. The update also allows interior light control, screen color effects and the ability to create longer custom shows.

Tesla also tweaked smaller things that add up. The car now chimes if you leave your phone key behind. You can toggle the wireless charger on or off. And drivers who use HOV lanes can let the car select the correct lane based on rules and passenger count.

Tesla continues to treat software like a core part of the ownership experience. This update adds helpful tools, tightens everyday convenience and brings a little holiday energy to the cabin.

Source: InsideEvs