Tesla Announces Summer Software Update 2026 With Expanded Grok Vehicle Controls

Tesla has officially announced its 2026 summer software update, expected to be version 2026.26, bringing a host of new functionalities to its vehicles. A key highlight is the further expansion of the Grok AI assistant's capabilities, enabling users to control various vehicle functions via voice commands.

The Grok assistant will now handle tasks such as making phone calls, searching for and playing music, adjusting climate control, and opening the glovebox. Tesla suggests that Grok may also support adjustments for heated and ventilated seats. Notably, Grok will become available across all of Europe with this update, including its navigation and newly added vehicle control features. The company also plans for Grok to eventually support more advanced vehicle settings and Full Self-Driving (FSD) commands.

Beyond Grok, the update enhances navigation and personalization. The car's navigation system will now remember and prioritize routes frequently used by the driver, considering historical driving data for route planning, though faster options will still be offered. For customization enthusiasts, Tesla is introducing the ability to upload custom vehicle wrap designs directly through the Tesla app, eliminating the need for USB drives and simplifying the process of personalizing vehicle aesthetics.

Other notable additions include the ability to set a desired remaining battery charge upon arrival via the Tesla app, improved automatic navigation to frequently visited locations, and a new scoring feature for the vehicle's Caraoke function. Seat adjustment controls will now be available on the central screen for all models, and a new rear-screen lock feature aims to prevent accidental changes by young passengers. Users can also access driving statistics and customize the FSD visualization zoom.