Tesla’s new update arrives just in time for Christmas

The annual Tesla Holiday Update has arrived, and while past versions focused on big-ticket integrations, the 2025 release focuses on smarter navigation and useful everyday features.

The biggest change sees the artificial intelligence Grok take on a co-pilot role. Grok, which was previously only a chatbot running in the car's computer, can now interact with vehicle functions. By setting Grok's personality to 'Assistant,' drivers can use simple voice commands to add or edit navigation destinations. For example, a driver could tell the car, "Grok, take me to the nearest available coffee shop," and the AI would handle the programming.

The 2025 update brings several key improvements to the navigation and charging experience. Drivers can now reorder their favorite destinations on the map and easily set home or work locations by dropping a pin anywhere, not just on a fixed address. The car can even suggest destinations based on recent trips and travel habits. If you use carpool lanes, a new option allows the navigation system to automatically select high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes when eligible, taking into account factors like time, location, passenger count, and road restrictions.

Charging a Tesla also gets a more detailed view. The vehicle's navigation now includes a 3D view of select Supercharger stations when you tap "View Site Map" during navigation. Upon arrival at a location, this feature displays the site layout showing which stalls are available, occupied, or out of service, taking the guesswork out of planning a stop, especially at busy Supercharger locations. On a more technical note, the system now allows drivers to save a charge limit for a current location, like their home or office, and the car will automatically apply that limit the next time they charge there.

Practical updates form the core of the release, but Tesla does not forget its 'Toybox' of fun, unique features. Pet owners get a handy upgrade with Dog Mode Live Activity, which displays a Live Activity feed on an iPhone. This feature provides periodic cabin snapshots, along with live updates on the vehicle's cabin temperature, battery level, and climate control status. For a lighter touch, a new Tesla Photobooth app lets occupants take selfies using the interior camera, applying filters, stickers, and emojis before sharing the finished photos via the Tesla app.

The update also includes a variety of other entertainment and convenience features. The classic Santa Mode gets a festive 3D visual treat, adding animated snowmen, holiday trees, and a special lock chime. The Light Show feature adds a new "Jingle Rush" song, and drivers can now control interior lighting and create longer, customized shows. Owners can even personalize their on-screen vehicle avatar with Custom Wraps and License Plates through the 'Paint Shop' in the Toybox, using preloaded designs or uploading their own via a USB flash drive.

Gamers get a fun addition with the SpaceX ISS Docking Simulator, a 3D game using controls modeled after real NASA interfaces. Finally, the update adds a useful Phone Left Behind Chime that alerts you a few seconds after the doors close if a phone key or a phone on a wireless charger is still inside with no occupants detected.

This latest release for Tesla's line of electric cars focuses on smarter, more efficient user interaction. By integrating Grok into navigation and polishing the driving and charging experience, Tesla continues to show that software updates are an important part of the modern EV ownership experience.

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