The highlight of FSD Beta v12 lies in its increased usage of neural networks. A neural network in artificial intelligence is akin to the human brain's network of neurons. It is a complex system that learns from large datasets - in Tesla's case, millions of video clips - to recognize patterns and make informed decisions. This machine-learning approach allows the system to adapt and improve continuously.
Neural networks are already used for determining surroundings, detecting objects, and more, but FSD v12 will be the first time Tesla adds neural networks that control the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and steering. According to Musk, FSD Beta v12 features end-to-end neural networks, meaning that these AI networks are used for everything, from vehicle input (cameras) to vehicle output (steering).
Tesla will be able to replace more than 300,000 lines of explicit code with these new networks.
Release Notes
Release notes for FSD Beta v12 were never obtained, however, the release notes for v12.1 confirm the use of neural networks for vehicle control.
The release notes are short, but hopefully, Tesla will expand them to offer additional details before v12 goes out to customers. The release notes currently only include one feature that states:
“FSD Beta v12 upgrades the city-streets driving stack to a single end-to-end neural network trained on millions of video clips, replacing over 300k lines of explicit C++ code.”
FSD Beta v12 Livestream
The public got an early glimpse of FSD v12's potential back in August 2023, when Musk live-streamed his vehicle driving with an alpha version of v12 on X.
The livestream wasn't without its share of issues, but it showed off some of its capabilities of v12 and it appeared to be at least on par with FSD Beta v11, even at this early stage.
Release Timeline and Inclusion of Updates
While the exact timeline for FSD Beta v12's release to public testers remains unknown, the expansion to additional employees is a promising sign. FSD Beta v12.1 is currently Tesla update 2023.44.30.10, although we'll likely see additional releases before it goes out to public testers.
Back in June of 2023, Musk said that FSD would finally graduate out of beta with FSD v12, however, the release notes for v12.1 clearly state "FSD Beta v12.1." Musk's goal could be for FSD to come out of beta with an eventual v12 release, but at this time it looks like FSD will remain in beta - at least in its current state.
FSD Beta v12.1 Video
It looks like we're not the only ones excited about the release of FSD Beta v12.
A video of FSD Beta v12.1 has been published online by an apparent employee. You can watch the video below.
Keep in mind that with major changes to FSD Beta, there are often regressions as well, and it usually takes several revisions to iron out major issues.
FSD Beta v12 is a fundamental shift in how the vehicle is controlled and represents an exciting future for Tesla and its FSD ambitions.
After a post on X, Tesla has confirmed that it recently exported its 1 millionth car from Giga Shanghai. That’s a massive number of vehicles from a factory that only opened in December 2019.
Since Q3 2021, Giga Shanghai has been responsible for producing over 50% of global EV production – with the single exception of Q2 2022 – where production fell to about 40% while the factory was retooling. That’s a jaw-dropping figure for a single factory.
1 Million Exports
Giga Shanghai produces Teslas for practically the entire world, including the European, Australian, Chinese, and other Southeast Asian markets. For now, it also produces cars for Canada; however, an upcoming tariff could change this.
Giga Shanghai also celebrated the shipping of 100,000 vehicles to Australia with the 1 million vehicles exported mark. While the majority of vehicles end up in Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia are still massive markets for Tesla.
Going forward, Giga Shanghai, with its continued expansions, will be at or above 1 million vehicles produced per year. A good chunk of these vehicles stay within China, while the rest are exported. Tesla sells on average 40 to 80,000 cars per month in China, depending on the season, with an average of 90,000 cars produced per month in 2024 so far.
Automated Production
This is all thanks to Giga Shanghai’s 95% automated production line. Giga Shanghai is likely one of the most automated and advanced factories in the world, a testament to Tesla’s manufacturing and engineering expertise. Giga Shanghai produces one vehicle every 40 seconds.
We’re looking forward to seeing how Tesla’s expansions and factory innovations continue in the coming months and years.
Giga Shanghai operates a 95% automated production line, enabling a cycle time of less than 40 seconds! From taking 2.5 years for the first million cars to be produced, the second million was done in just 12 months 🚘🪄 pic.twitter.com/IF1w27AFPr
Tesla’s last app update, version 4.37.1, introduces support for critical alerts on the iPhone. These alerts are designed for emergency situations and will override standard notification settings, including the mute switch, Focus modes, and Do Not Disturb. This ensures that owners are notified when immediate action is required, even if their phone is set to silent.
How to Enable Critical Alerts
Activate Dog Mode: Open the Tesla app and turn on Dog Mode.
Main App Screen: After activating Dog Mode, go back to the main section of the app.
Enable Critical Alerts: A new option called Critical Alerts will appear under Live Camera and the quick action icons (Tip: You can add up to 5 quick actions). It’ll state, “Grant permissions to receive critical notifications.” Tap it, and you’ll see a system dialog asking for permission to allow critical alerts for the Tesla app.
Confirm Permission: Choose to allow the Tesla app to send critical notifications, which will grant the app special privileges for sending urgent alerts.
This new feature is likely intended for situations where Dog Mode needs to be turned off unexpectedly. For example, if the vehicle’s battery drops below 20% or if the temperature inside the cabin rises or falls drastically outside of your set temperature, the Tesla app is expected to send a critical alert to the owner, ensuring they are informed right away.
What Are Critical Alerts?
Critical Alerts are a type of iOS notification available only to approved apps, which must meet specific criteria set by Apple. These alerts are designed to be used in emergencies and bypass all standard notification restrictions. This means that regardless of whether your phone is silenced or in Do Not Disturb mode, the alert will play a sound and appear prominently.
By adding support for Critical Alerts, Tesla is prioritizing the safety of pets who may be left inside the vehicle with the expectation that Dog Mode will keep conditions safe. This change makes the app more reliable for alerting owners when immediate attention is needed, ensuring they are always kept informed—even when their phone’s settings would typically prevent other notifications from coming through.