Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Update: What’s New and What’s Missing

Key Takeaways

• Grok now allows adding and editing navigation destinations, enhancing the navigation experience.
• New Tesla Photobooth feature lets users take selfies and apply fun filters from within the car.
• Dog Mode now includes live updates and snapshots for pet owners checking on their furry friends.
• Dashcam clips will now provide additional data such as speed and driving conditions.
• Santa Mode features new graphics and festive visuals for the holiday season.
• Light Show will be updated with a new performance titled “Jingle Rush.”
• Paint Shop offers customization options for Tesla avatars with color options for wraps and license plates.
• Supercharger site map introduces a 3D view of select charging stations for better navigation.
• Automatic carpool lane routing will optimize routes when eligible.
• Phone Left Behind feature will chime if a phone is left in the car after doors close.
• Charge limits can now be saved and automatically applied at frequent charging locations.
• New ISS Docking Simulator game developed in collaboration with SpaceX is added to the in-car arcade.
• Features not included: Banish Feature, Apple CarPlay, and Parking Spot Selection.

Tesla, a giant in the automotive and technology industry, has rolled out its much-anticipated 2025 Holiday Update. With a significant focus on enhancing user experience and adding a touch of fun, Tesla has made several improvements and introduced exciting new features. However, some anticipated features, unfortunately, did not make the cut. In this detailed analysis, we will explore what’s included in this new update and what Tesla drivers might still be looking forward to.

A Deep Dive into the New Features

Enhancing Navigation with Grok

One of the most significant advancements in Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Update is the improvement in navigation through Grok. Previously limited to mere voice commands, Tesla owners can now add and edit navigation destinations using Grok’s new abilities. This upgrade promises a more seamless navigation experience, potentially offering insights into destinations, reviews, and nearby points of interest. Enabled through Grok’s “Assistant” personality, this feature is poised to redefine how Tesla users interact with their navigation systems.

Fun and Creative Features

• Tesla Photobooth: Engage your creativity with the new Tesla Photobooth. This feature allows users to take selfies inside their Tesla, apply fun filters, and add stickers and emojis. Users can easily share these from the Tesla app, blending functionality with fun.
• Santa Mode and the Jingle Rush Light Show: In line with the holiday spirit, Santa Mode is back with new graphics and festive visuals. Additionally, the Light Show feature is updated with a performance called “Jingle Rush,” adding more joy to the journey.
• Paint Shop Personalization: Formerly known as Colorizer, the Paint Shop allows for the customization of Tesla avatars with options for window tints, custom wraps, and license plates. Users can choose from preloaded designs or create their own using USB flash drives.

Safety and Convenience Updates

• Dog Mode Live Activity: Tesla dogs now get the VIP treatment with live updates. Pet owners can check in on their furry friends with periodic snapshots and live updates on cabin temperature, battery, and climate conditions.
• Dashcam Viewer Update: Safety is further enhanced with more informative dashcam clips. New details such as speed, steering wheel angle, and Self-Driving state are now included, which could be invaluable in case of accidents.
• Supercharger Site Map: The Supercharger site map takes navigation a step further by introducing a 3D view of select Tesla Superchargers. This feature shows site layout, live occupancy, and nearby amenities, even allowing drivers to choose Supercharging stalls.
• Carpool Lane Routing and Charge Limits: Automatic carpool lane routing optimizes routes when eligible. Additionally, drivers can now save charge limits for specific locations, making recharging as efficient as possible.

Wrapped in Innovation: New Additions

• ISS Docking Simulator: In a unique collaboration with SpaceX, Tesla has added an ISS Docking Simulator to its in-car arcade. This game allows you to step into the shoes of an astronaut, guiding a rocket using actual NASA interfaces.
• Phone Left Behind Chime: Ever worried about leaving your phone behind? The Phone Left Behind feature offers peace of mind by chiming if a phone key is detected inside when the doors close.

What’s Missing?

Despite the impressive new features, some expected functionalities are notably absent:

1. Banish Feature: Long teased, this feature, which allows for autonomous parking after dropping off the owner, hasn’t been included.
2. Apple CarPlay: Despite rumors, Apple CarPlay integration remains missing, although Tesla’s own user interface continues to be highly praised.
3. Parking Spot Selection: This feature, especially anticipated by those living in urban areas or residences with assigned parking, was not part of this update.