Grok comes to Tesla vehicles in the 2025.26 software update (pre-launch highlights, release notes)

Last week, Elon Musk confirmed that Grok AI is coming soon to Tesla vehicles. However, the automaker didn’t confirm the specific software release version that will have Tesla Grok integration.

Yesterday, Tesla confirmed that Grok is part of the upcoming over-the-air (OTA) software update version 2025.26. As of this writing, the update is being tested internally by Tesla employees and is not yet rolled out to Tesla vehicle owners.

Tesla released some pre-rollout highlights of Grok and new features coming in the 2025.26 update. As we expected, Tesla is releasing a new main branch to bring Grok to Tesla vehicles (release notes below).

– Advertisement –

Tesla OTA software update 2025.26 features and release notes. Credit: @sampath_02 / X, Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).

Grok in Tesla EVs

Grok is an artificial intelligence software chat bot created by Elon Musk’s another company named xAI. With the release of Grok 4 last week, Musk’s AI bot is topping the benchmark charts.

According to Tesla’s official announcement, Grok in Tesla vehicles is currently integrated as a Beta software. So, Tesla is most probably going to offer an older or timmed-down version of Grok AI chatbot in its cars at first.

An important thing to note is that, in the first wave of the 2025.26 software update rollout, Grok will only be available in the United States on Tesla vehicles with the AMD Ryzen processor. Tesla cars with the older Intel Atom GPU will have to wait for Grok even more.

– Advertisement –

Grok will be a conversational AI in Tesla vehicles but it will not override the existing voice commands, according to Tesla. It will be interesting to see how both voice commands of Grok and the existing ones work together.

Earlier this month, a few screenshots of the Tesla Grok user interface, voice types, and features were leaked by a hacker. These screens provide a sneak peek into the functions and features.

Tesla Update 2025.26 Official Release Notes

Grok Beta (US, AMD)

Grok is now available directly in your Tesla.

Requires Premium Connectivity or a WiFi connection.

Grok is currently in Beta & does not issue commands to your car – existing voice commands remain unchanged.

Grok and Tesla logos in the Tesla 2025.26 software update release notes. Credit: Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), X.

– Advertisement –

Light Sync (New Model 3 & Model Y, 2026 Model S/X, Cybertruck)

Accent lights now respond to music & you can also choose to match the lights to the album’s color for a more immersive effect.

To access the feature, tap Toybox > Light Sync

Tesla Light Sync improved to include ambient/accent lighting in the 2025.26 update. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).

Audio Settings Update

You can create & save multiple presets to match your listening preferences.

Controls > Audio

Audio Settings improved in the 2025.26 update. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) via X.

Dashcam Update

You can now zoom or adjust the playback speed. Cybertruck also gets the updated Dashcam Viewer app with a grid view for easier access & review of recordings

Dashcam improvement in Tesla update 2025.26. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) via X.

– Advertisement –

Charging Info at Arrival

In the charger list, you can now see which locations require valet service or pay-to-park access.

Upon arrival, you’ll receive a notification with access codes, parking restrictions, level or floor information & restroom availability.

Tesla improves charging info on arrival at a Supercharger station site in the OTA update version 2025.26. Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) via X.

Onboarding Guide (New Model 3 & Model Y, LHD)

If this is your first Tesla, the Onboarding Guide helps you get familiar with your Tesla.

You’ll get a rundown of how to adjust driver settings, using the touchscreen as well as controlling lights, wipers & Autopilot features with the steering wheel, among other functions

Controls > Service > Onboarding Guide

– Advertisement –