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Tesla's New Self-Driving App Locks Out Many Owners
14 Apr
Summary
- New dedicated Self-Driving app debuts in Tesla's Spring 2026 update.
- The app requires the latest hardware (HW4) and excludes older vehicles.
- Interior lighting blind spot warnings are exclusive to refreshed models.

Tesla's significant Spring 2026 software update is rolling out globally, featuring a new dedicated Self-Driving app. This app serves as a central hub for Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system, allowing owners to subscribe, access tutorials, and adjust settings. However, the FSD app and other advanced features like interior accent lights for blind spot warnings are exclusively available on cars equipped with the latest Hardware 4 (HW4) and refreshed models, sparking frustration among owners of older vehicles.
Many Tesla owners have voiced discontent online, feeling excluded by the hardware requirements. Claims suggest that even two-year-old vehicles may not support the latest FSD app advancements. This contrasts with Elon Musk's past assurances that all Teslas manufactured since 2016 would support FSD capabilities. The update also includes minor additions like customizable 'Pet Mode' animals and improved in-car visualizations, but the core FSD app's hardware limitation remains a major point of contention, seemingly geared towards driving new business for Tesla's automated technology.