Tesla Holiday Update Expectations: Maps & Autopilot Enhancements

As the holiday season approaches, Tesla owners eagerly anticipate the annual Holiday Update—a highlight for the Tesla community. Historically, these updates roll out in December, often around the latter half of the month. Last year, the timeline shifted slightly earlier to the second week of December, leaving many wondering what surprises Tesla has in store this time.

Focusing on Tesla Maps and Autopilot, here’s a compilation of features users are hoping will make the cut in this year’s update.

Community-Driven Map Features

Tesla owners have long sought navigation features resembling Waze, where users can contribute real-time information about road conditions, such as accidents, construction zones, or police presence. While Tesla recently introduced updates like Speed Camera notifications and traffic light detection, a truly interactive and crowd-sourced mapping experience remains a top request.

Although Tesla currently relies on external APIs like Google for some map functionalities, a move toward community contributions could elevate the user experience.

"Avoid Highways" Option

A perennial user request, the "Avoid Highways" option remains notably absent from Tesla’s navigation system. Despite the usefulness of the Alternate Routes feature, it doesn’t always cater to those wanting to skip highways altogether.

Earlier this year, Elon Musk acknowledged that this feature was on the way, though it has yet to materialize. A rollout in the Holiday Update would be well-timed, enabling drivers to explore scenic routes during their winter journeys.

3D Building Integration

Tesla introduced 3D maps in China earlier this year, but this feature hasn’t yet expanded globally. With competitors like Apple and Rivian already offering detailed 3D renderings, Tesla could take a step forward by incorporating this visually engaging feature.

While such enhancements are appealing, hardware limitations—particularly in older vehicles using Intel processors—may restrict access to this feature. Newer AMD-equipped models, however, are better positioned to support 3D maps.

Improved Visualizations on Intel Vehicles

Owners of Intel-powered Teslas have expressed frustration over the lack of full-screen Autopilot visualizations, which are currently reserved for AMD-based vehicles or FSD-enabled Teslas in North America.

Given that Intel systems can handle these visualizations, expanding this capability to all vehicles would be a welcome gesture for Tesla's loyal customer base.

Emergency Vehicle Detection

Tesla has made strides in emergency vehicle detection, utilizing cameras to identify such vehicles. However, these detections are not visually distinguished on the display. An update that includes visual indicators for emergency vehicles, perhaps with flashing lights, would greatly enhance safety and awareness.

With FSD version 13 expected soon, Tesla’s ability to detect emergency vehicles using both cameras and microphones could be paired with improved on-screen visualizations.

FSD Visualizations Beyond North America

Outside of North America, FSD buyers often feel they’re getting the short end of the stick, as many features remain unavailable in regions like Europe and China. While Tesla has promised broader availability of FSD in 2024, expanding FSD visualizations globally would be a significant step forward and could increase FSD adoption rates.

Enhancing Basic Autopilot

Tesla's Basic Autopilot currently includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Autosteer. Expanding these capabilities to include features like Navigate on Autopilot or automatic lane changes would make Tesla's system more competitive with offerings from other manufacturers.

This could create a clearer distinction between Basic Autopilot for highways and FSD for city driving, potentially encouraging more users to upgrade.

Smarter Summon Improvements

“Actually Smart Summon” is still largely confined to North America. Expanding its reach to more regions, while also refining its usability, such as removing the need to continuously hold the "come" button, would make this feature more practical and appealing.

Autoshift for Older Models

Autoshift, which automates shifting between reverse and drive, is available in newer Tesla models like the refreshed Model 3, Cybertruck, and Model S/X. Extending this functionality to older vehicles, especially those with stalks, would modernize the driving experience across Tesla’s lineup.

This feature simplifies operation: press the brake to let the car select the correct gear, then accelerate. Incorporating it into older vehicles could unify Tesla's feature set across all models.

Your Wishlist?

These anticipated updates represent some of the most requested improvements from Tesla’s navigation and Autopilot features. As Tesla continues to innovate, these additions would greatly enhance usability and driving enjoyment for its global customer base.