Tesla Software Update 2025.38.3.1: Official Release Notes and New Features
Tesla has begun rolling out its latest software update, version 2025.38.3.1, to its global fleet. This update, tracked by enthusiasts on platforms like Not a Tesla App, brings a host of refinements to the driving experience, user interface, and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capabilities. While it may appear as a minor point release, 2025.38.3.1 packs significant underlying improvements for Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck owners.
Key Highlights of Update 2025.38.3.1
This release focuses heavily on enhancing the core functionality that drivers use every day. The primary areas of improvement include more natural and confident FSD (Supervised) behavior, a refreshed and more customizable user interface, and expanded entertainment options. This update continues Tesla’s commitment to improving its vehicles long after they have been purchased through free over-the-air software updates.
Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v13.1 Enhancements
Vehicles equipped with FSD Beta receive a notable upgrade in this version, building upon the single-stack neural network architecture. Drivers should notice a more human-like and predictable driving style.
Smoother City Street Navigation
The system’s handling of complex urban environments has been improved. This includes more decisive actions at unprotected left turns, better prediction of pedestrian and cyclist paths, and reduced hesitation in dense traffic. The neural nets responsible for object detection and path planning have been further trained on a wider set of complex scenarios.
Improved Highway Performance
On the highway, FSD (Supervised) now performs lane changes with greater confidence and fluidity. The logic for handling vehicles merging onto the freeway has been refined to minimize unnecessary slowdowns. Furthermore, instances of phantom braking have been further reduced through better environmental interpretation and sensor fusion.
User Interface and Vehicle Controls
The in-car user interface receives a welcome refresh, focusing on personalization and convenience.
Customizable Bottom Bar
You can now customize the bottom control bar on the main touchscreen. Long-press any icon to enter an edit mode, allowing you to drag and drop your most frequently used apps and controls for easy, one-tap access. This has been a highly requested feature and provides a new level of personalization to the cabin experience.
Dynamic Driving Visualizations
The driving visualizations are now more detailed and responsive. The system renders a wider variety of objects with higher fidelity, including traffic cones, road debris, and more accurate representations of surrounding vehicle types. This provides the driver with greater confidence in what the car is seeing.
New Apps and Feature Improvements
This update expands the car’s functionality with new entertainment options and quality-of-life improvements.
- Sentry Mode Viewer Upgrade: The in-car Sentry Mode and Dashcam viewer has been overhauled. It now features a timeline scrubber that marks events, making it much faster to find and review specific moments without having to export the clips.
- Enhanced Trip Planner: The navigation system’s Trip Planner is now more intelligent. It considers historical wind speed data and real-time elevation changes for more accurate battery percentage predictions upon arrival.
- New Arcade Game: A new title has been added to the Tesla Arcade, providing more entertainment options while your vehicle is parked or charging.
- Cabin Overheat Protection Refinements: The logic for Cabin Overheat Protection has been optimized to be more energy-efficient while still effectively maintaining a safe cabin temperature.
Vehicle Specific Updates
Cybertruck Off-Road Mode
For Cybertruck owners, update 2025.38.3.1 introduces a new “Baja” drive mode within the Off-Road settings. This mode adjusts the air suspension, stability control, and powertrain for high-speed performance on loose surfaces. The rear-wheel steering logic has also been tuned for greater agility in tight off-road conditions.
Phone Key Reliability
For all models, this update includes improvements to the Bluetooth connection for the Phone Key. This results in faster vehicle unlocking upon approach and a reduction in instances where the phone is not detected, providing a more seamless entry and start-up experience.
