What the Tesla 2025 Holiday Update Adds to Your Vehicle
Tesla released a holiday software update in late 2024 and early 2025 that brings new features to compatible vehicles, primarily focused on entertainment, vehicle controls, and user interface improvements. The update rolls out in phases to different vehicle models and regions, so your car may receive it at a different time than others. You do not need to do anything to receive it — Tesla pushes updates over the air to your vehicle when it is parked and connected to WiFi.
The update is free and automatic. If you want to check whether your vehicle has received it, you can look in your vehicle's software version under Controls > Service > Additional Vehicle Information. The version number will show the current build date.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 holiday update adds new entertainment options, improved climate controls, and refreshed user interface elements to compatible Tesla vehicles.
- Updates arrive automatically over WiFi when your vehicle is parked; you cannot manually trigger the read but can check your current software version in the vehicle's menu.
- Older Tesla models and vehicles in certain regions may not receive all features, as Tesla prioritizes updates by model year and market.
- New features typically include expanded music and video streaming options, voice command improvements, and changes to the main display layout.
New Entertainment and Streaming Features
The 2025 update expands what you can watch and listen to while your vehicle is parked. Tesla added support for additional streaming services and improved the interface for accessing music, podcasts, and video content through the main touchscreen. The exact services available depend on your region and vehicle model.
Video playback on the main display now works with a wider range of formats, and the system organizes your content more clearly. If you use Tesla's built-in music streaming or have connected your own accounts through Bluetooth or WiFi, the update reorganizes how those options appear on your screen.
Climate Control and Comfort Improvements
The update refines how you control temperature and air flow in your vehicle. New options let you set different temperatures for different zones more easily, and the climate menu on the touchscreen has been reorganized for faster access. Preconditioning — warming or cooling your car before you drive — now includes more scheduling options.
If you use the Tesla mobile app to preheat or precool your vehicle, the update does not change how that works, but the in-vehicle controls now show more detail about what is happening and let you make adjustments more quickly.
User Interface and Display Changes
The main touchscreen layout has been updated to show information in a different order and with new visual styling. The home screen now displays frequently used controls more prominently, and menus have been reorganized to reduce the number of taps needed to reach common settings. Icons and text have been refreshed to match Tesla's current design language.
Navigation, media controls, and vehicle status information remain in similar locations, so you should not feel completely lost if you are used to an older version. However, some buttons and menu items have moved, so you may need a few days to adjust to where things are now.
Voice Command and Autopilot Updates
Voice commands now recognize a wider range of requests and respond more accurately to natural speech patterns. You can give commands in a more conversational way rather than using exact phrases. The update also improves how voice commands work with climate control, navigation, and media playback.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features receive minor refinements in how they handle certain road conditions and traffic scenarios, though the core functionality remains the same. If you use these features regularly, you may notice smoother transitions and more responsive steering in specific situations.
Which Vehicles Receive the Update and When
Tesla prioritizes the 2025 holiday update for newer vehicles first, typically starting with 2023 and 2024 models. Older vehicles may receive the update weeks or months later, and some very early Tesla models may not receive all features. The rollout also depends on your region — North American vehicles often receive updates before other markets.
You can check your vehicle's current software version and build date to see how recent your update is. If you have not received the update yet, your vehicle will read it automatically the next time it is parked with WiFi access for several hours.
How to Check Your Current Software Version
To see what version of software your vehicle is running, touch the Tesla logo on the main touchscreen, then go to Controls > Service > Additional Vehicle Information. The screen will show your current software version and the build date. Compare this date to Tesla's official release notes to see whether you have the latest holiday update.
If your vehicle shows an older build date and you have WiFi access at home or at a Supercharger, park your vehicle with WiFi enabled and leave it for at least an hour. The system will check for updates and read them in the background. You do not need to do anything else — the update will install automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do anything to get the update?
No. Tesla sends the update automatically to your vehicle over WiFi when it is parked. You do not need to visit a service center or manually read anything. Just make sure your vehicle has WiFi access and is parked long enough for the read to complete.
Will the update change how my Autopilot works?
The update includes minor refinements to Autopilot performance, but it does not fundamentally change how the feature operates. You should not notice major differences in how your vehicle drives, though steering and acceleration may feel slightly smoother in certain conditions.
What if I do not want the update?
Tesla does not offer an option to decline updates. All vehicles receive them automatically. However, you can delay the update by not connecting to WiFi, though this is not recommended since updates often include security improvements and bug fixes.
Can I use my vehicle while the update is installing?
Updates install when your vehicle is parked and powered off. You can drive your vehicle normally during the day. The installation happens overnight or whenever your car is stationary with the battery charged and WiFi connected.
Why do some Tesla owners get the update before others?
Tesla rolls out updates in phases to avoid overwhelming its servers. Newer vehicles and certain regions receive updates first. This staggered approach also lets Tesla monitor for any issues before pushing the update to all vehicles at once.