Tesla's latest FSD Beta update is so good that it should skip the version 12.3 name and go right to v13. That at least, is the opinion of Elon Musk, who has a history of being overly optimistic.
Despite the same release notes as its predecessor, v12.2.1, Elon Musk has emphasized the substantial improvements in this version. It has been released to a select group of employees and customers.
The Promise of FSD Beta v12.3
While release notes for FSD Beta 12.3 mirror those of the previous iteration, Musk's assertion of its importance cannot be understated. Described as a "big release," 12.3 is expected to bring us closer to achieving levels 4-5 of autonomous driving. The core enhancement in v12 lies in the shift towards end-to-end neural networks for vehicle control, moving away from traditional programming methods. This change aims to facilitate more natural, human-like driving behaviors. However, Tesla hacker Greentheonly believes the “end-to-end” nature of v12 may be overstated. Does FSD v12.3 possibly get us one step closer to video in, and (vehicle) controls out?
Selective Rollout and Future Plans
FSD Beta 12.3's deployment remains very limited, much like any of the v12 versions. FSD subscribers in the U.S. and Canada (FSD subscription coming to Canada) are still on the holiday update, the same update from four months ago. Meanwhile, these subscribers are watching a few hand-picked beta testers demonstrate V12.
With this latest FSD Beta reaching only some Tesla employees and several hand-picked customers, it looks like Tesla is back to testing FSD releases with a special group. Just a few months ago, Tesla had two software tracks, the production track which included a stable version of FSD Beta and included the latest Tesla updates, and the “early” FSD Beta track, which had the latest public FSD Beta build but was often 2-3 firmware updates behind.
It looks like Tesla may have wanted to do away with that, but in the process has left all FSD customers on older firmware that doesn’t contain the latest FSD Beta build or the latest features in update 2024.2 or update 2024.8.3.
Maybe Tesla should consider giving customers the choice of development tracks. They already have the “Software Update Preference” setting in the vehicle that allows customers to pick from the “Standard” or “Advanced” software tracks.
FSD Beta: A Journey of Innovation
FSD updates used to be regular with builds often going out every two weeks. However, in the past year, the release cycle has slowed down to just a few FSD Beta updates per year. This extended delay in rolling out v12, which was first demonstrated by Musk last summer, may provide insight into how complex the new system is and how challenging it is for Tesla’s team of engineers. Despite delays and cautious rollouts, Tesla's dedication to refining and advancing its FSD technology remains unwavering.
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Rendering of what Tesla's license plate feature could look like
Not a Tesla App
Tesla update 2024.38 has started rolling out to several regions and vehicles. Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we have a behind-the-scenes look at some new features coming to Teslas.
License Plate Display
According to Greentheonly, it looks like Tesla may soon let you display your actual license plate in the vehicle’s visualization on the screen. In our article, The Most Request Tesla Features, several readers suggested displaying the vehicle’s license plate in the visualization instead of a blank, white plate.
It looks like Tesla will be doing just that, at least in China. Green found references that appear to conclude that you’ll be able to display your vehicle’s plate on screen. This will likely be user input, so you could have it say anything you’d like, and it doesn’t have to be your actual license plate.
For many owners, who may find it difficult to remember their license plate, this could serve a practical purpose in addition to adding to the visualization's realism.
While Green was only able to say it’ll be available in China, we expect this is due to China’s software development team working on it and that it’ll eventually be released worldwide.
While code for this feature was found in update 2024.38, we may not be turned on in China yet. We suspect this feature may be a strong candidate for Tesla’s upcoming holiday update.
FSD Hardware Version Display
As part of the 2024.38 update, Tesla has now made it easy to determine whether your vehicle includes Hardware 3 or Hardware 4. You can now simply navigate to Controls > Software and tap Additional Vehicle Information. In addition to other hardware information about your vehicle, your Autopilot hardware version will now be listed as well.
You can see whether your vehicle has HW2.5, HW3, or AI4. This in-car display is useful, but if you don’t have access to the vehicle, you can always use our guide on how to determine the hardware version of a Tesla.
New Battery Health Test & Service Mode Improvements
Green found some additional things as well. There’s a new and improved Battery Health Test. The new test will show you how your car scores compared to similar vehicles in the Tesla fleet.
In addition, maintenance records can now be permanently stored “in the car.” It doesn’t appear that this feature is activated yet, but it’s likely in active development with some parts leaking out in the 2024.38 update.
Tesla has included various Service Mode improvements and new visualizations in this update.
Mr Li on X came across some covered-up Project Juniper vehicles recently and he managed to get various shots of the vehicle.
Juniper Images
This front image reveals what looks like two rows of lights, possibly confirming the front light bar for the Model Y refresh — similar to the one on the Cybercab.
The rear side has a lot of lights on it!
Mr Li on X
The rear side shows a ton of brake lights, but it’s not clear why. While it looks like the Model Y refresh will also feature a rear light bar similar to the Cybertruck, there isn’t strong evidence of that in this photo.
Mr Li on X
There's an obvious set of lights at the bottom, so it looks like the Model Y refresh will be similar to the new Model 3 where the bottom lights can operate as brake lights when the one-piece tail lights and trunk are up.
Mr Li on X
In the last photo, we see that the overall form factor of the refreshed Model Y will remain unchanged, and Tesla is focusing the changes on the front and rear ends of the vehicle, much like the Model 3 refresh. However, in this one shot, we can also see what appears to be red light leaking out of the rear camera cover opening, possibly due to the rear light bar.
The Model Y is not only Tesla’s best-selling vehicle but also the world’s best-selling car in 2023. This year, it’s expected to be the best-selling vehicle in the United States and again in the world, so this refresh will be huge for Tesla.
@DominicBRNKMN made another fantastic set of concepts based on these new images. Given he had the most accurate Model 3 Highland concept before the official launch, we’re pretty sure his latest work be close here as well.
@DominicBRNKMN
We’re super excited to see the eventual reveal of Project Juniper, which is expected in the first half of 2025. However, expect to see a few more leaks before production kicks off at Giga Shanghai.
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