Tesla Update 2023.26: Unpacking All the Undocumented Changes

Tesla continues to enhance Service Mode in their vehicles

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Tesla's 2023.26 update, which is now available on most vehicles, arrived with several exciting features, including a Spotify player refresh, support for Bluetooth controllers on the Model 3/Y and the rumored Charge on Solar feature for Tesla Solar and Powerwall owners.

The update also included smaller enhancements, such as the multi-cam view in the Tesla app, the ability to automatic turn on the headlights when the wipers are in use (available in select regions) and more.

For the new Model S and Model X, the update also added some features that were previously available on the Model 3 and Model Y, such as the customizable scroll wheel and the ability to reposition the Blind Spot Camera on the center display.

However, most Tesla updates also include smaller improvements not mentioned in the release notes. Owners slowly discover these changes over time, and we've outlined them here.

Improved Phone Calls

Update 2023.26 automatically adjusts the fan speed while you're on a call

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When you have your climate system set to 'Auto,' the HVAC fan speed may be lowered automatically to reduce cabin noise while you're on a phone call.

Service Mode Improvements

More Service Mode improvements were included in this update

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Several new diagnostic screens have been added to Service Mode. They include the ability to test your steering wheel stalks, scroll wheels, horn and parking brake. You can now view the status and details of your airbags, low-voltage battery and the pitch of your vehicle's cameras.Service Mode is a mode that's typically reserved for service technicians, although it can be accessed by anyone. It is used to view information and test various aspects of a vehicle.

Supercharging Details

More details are now displayed on the Charging screen

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When charging your vehicle at a Tesla Supercharger, your vehicle will now display more details about the Supercharging session.On the Charging screen (Controls > Charging), your Tesla will now display the price per kWh you're being charged, as well as the total energy charged.This is in addition to the Supercharger location and the total cost for the Supercharger session, both of which were added in prior updates.

Automatic Navigation Improvements

The vehicle will now show you if an automatic destination was chosen

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If you have Automatic Navigation enabled in your Tesla, you'll now be presented with your suggested destination when you enter your vehicle.The popup on the screen will display your destination, your ETA, battery upon arrival, as well as a photo of your destination if available.You can begin driving to automatically start the route, or you can cancel the suggested destination.Note: You can turn on Automatic Navigation by going to Controls > Navigation and enabling Automatic Navigation.

Updated Apps Badge

Updated apps will now include a blue dot

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Similar to the "New" badges that Tesla added in update 2023.12 that signify which features are new in menus, Tesla will now display a blue dot underneath each app that is new or has been updated.

Daily Charge Limit

The recommended charge level has been updated for some vehicles

The recommended daily charge level has been updated for some vehicles. Depending on your vehicle, the types of batteries it uses and where it was manufactured, Tesla may have lowered the recommended daily charge limit.

Updated Manual App

The recently added Manual app also received an update

Software Release Notes are now part of the Manual App, which already houses the owner's manual and tutorials. The app's icon has also been updated slightly.You can tab between the three sections of the app by tapping on the names near the top.The Release Notes' left column has been simplified and now only lists the name of the new feature, instead of the category such as "Climate Control Improvements."

Almost every update comes with a handful of undocumented changes that may not be big to make it into the release notes. Have you noticed any other changes in update 2023.26 or 2023.32 that we're not aware of? Let us know.

Tesla Improves Wrap Services: Cuts Prices Drastically, Adds New Colors and Expands Availability

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After canceling the in-house wrap program for the Cybertruck last month, Tesla has reintroduced the program with a lot of changes. Let’s take a look at the original program, then we’ll dive into what’s changed.

Tesla began the wrap program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the fall of 2023. With the arrival of the Cybertruck, Tesla launched Matte Black and Satin White options for the Cybertruck and later added 11 more colors.

These are high-quality PPF (Paint Protection Film) wraps, which protect the paint in addition to changing the color of the vehicle. PPF is thicker, lasts longer, and is far superior to traditional vinyl wraps, but unfortunately, the service is only available if your vehicle is brand new.

When the program shuttered last month, many people were disappointed about the closing as it allowed owners to bundle the cost of the wrap service into the vehicle’s financing.

New Wrap Prices

First things first - the price of the wraps has dropped considerably, and Tesla does not appear to be using a different material - it is still PPF, not vinyl. These new prices are a lot more comparable to third-party offerings that normally use vinyl wraps.

Tesla initially offered 11 wrap colors, but that selection has now been reduced to eight per vehicle. Interestingly, the color options vary by model—Model 3 and Model Y owners have their own distinct palette. The Cybertruck also boasts its own unique set of colors, though unfortunately, the popular Satin White option is absent from its catalog.

Of course, the ever-popular Matte Black is still available, along with a fairly unique set of other vivid colors.

New Locations

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When the wrap program launched, it was limited to just three locations in California and one location in Texas. That meant that unless you were taking delivery at West Covina, Oceanside, Costa Mesa, or Santa Clara, you’d be unable to get a first-party wrap done by Tesla.

Now, under the new program, Tesla is offering wraps out of all the original locations and adding Seattle, Washington. What initially seemed like Tesla scaling back its wrap service has turned out to be to them making it more affordable and efficient.

New Purchases Only

For now, the wrap offers are still constrained to new vehicle purchases—you won’t be able to have Tesla wrap a vehicle that’s already been delivered. Paint damage and scuffs can impact the installation of PPF and require additional time to smooth out the vehicle surface.

Either way, with cheaper wrap options, Tesla is now directly competing against third-party wrap shops when it comes to wrapping vehicles in PPF. While it’s still a bit more expensive than you’d find elsewhere, it also comes with a level of care and precision from technicians intimately familiar with your vehicle.

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Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

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For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series. 

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.

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