Tesla Releases Software Update 2026.26.200.11 on September 17 and Begins Phased Rollout

On September 17, 2026, Tesla released software update version 2026.26.200.11, which is now being rolled out in phases. This upgrade includes enhancements to the Dabao large language model, Pet Mode, navigation, Autopilot, media apps, and security fixes. The vehicle’s infotainment system now features a new Dabao large-model voice assistant, available with a Premium Connectivity subscription. Users can choose from voice options such as female voice “Vivi” and male voice “Yunzhou,” and select personas including “Know-It-All,” “Music Lover,” and “Storyteller.” Other updates include: - **Pet Mode**: Users can select and name their pet under Controls > Display > Customize Pet Mode. - **Visual Updates**: The central display now shows higher-resolution Tesla imagery and enhanced environmental details in parking scenarios. - **Blind Spot Alert Ambient Lighting**: The ambient lights turn red when an object is detected in the blind spot while the turn signal is active, or when an object approaches while parked. This feature can be disabled under Controls > Lights > Blind Spot Alert Ambient Lighting. - **Blind Spot Alerts While Parked**: If an object continuously approaches the blind spot and a door is attempted to be opened, the blind spot indicator flashes and a chime sounds. The door will not open on the first button press; pressing again after a brief pause overrides the warning. - **Immersive Audio Upgrade**: Applies to all streaming sources and can be adjusted under Settings > Audio > Tone > Immersive Audio. - **Trips**: Located in the Energy app, allowing users to create and manage multiple trips to track energy consumption. - **Estimated Range**: Battery range estimates now account for characteristics associated with gradual battery aging. - **Smart Navigation**: When “Destination Suggestions” is enabled, the system provides route suggestions for frequently visited locations. Location data is anonymized and not linked to the vehicle. - **Familiar Routes**: Navigation prioritizes commonly driven routes. Disabled by default; can be enabled under Controls > Navigation > Familiar Routes, requiring Online Route Planning to also be on. Location data is anonymized and not linked to the vehicle. - **Automatic Software Updates**: Downloaded updates can be installed automatically overnight while parked and unused. Enabled under Controls > Software > Install Updates Automatically. - **Welcome Animation**: A welcome animation plays at startup. - **Sentry Mode Viewer Update**: Short clips from recent video segments can be permanently saved to the vehicle without sharing with Tesla. - **Sketchpad**: Supports stickers and emojis. Sketches can be saved and accessed or shared via the mobile app (requires version 4.55.6 or higher). - **Rear Display Controls**: During navigation, rear passengers can view and interact with the map on the rear display. Rear touchscreen controls can be disabled from the central display. - **Camera Preview**: Camera previews can be accessed anytime under Controls > Service > Camera Preview. - **Visualization Driving**: Users can customize Autopilot camera zoom preferences by selecting presets under Controls > Autopilot > Visualization Camera Zoom. - **Web Browser**: Uses interior cabin camera and microphone; camera functionality is only available while parked. - **Parental Controls**: While parked, browser, Theater, and Arcade can be disabled under Controls > Safety > Parental Controls. - **Media App Login Notifications**: Logins to QQ Music, Kugou Music, NetEase Cloud Music, and Himalaya can be notified via the Tesla app, requiring either Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi and mobile app version v4.59.5 or higher. - **Apple Music**: Swipe right on a song to add it to the queue; long-press to add to or remove from “My Favorites.” Songs can also be added directly to the queue from search results and Artist pages, requiring an active Apple Music subscription. - **Rear Screen Lyrics**: Lyrics can be displayed on rear screens with Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi. - **Increased Post-Collision Window Opening**: Windows open wider after a collision. - **Traction Control Modes**: Three new modes added—Auto, Slippery Conditions, and Off-Road Assist—resetting to Auto at the start of each drive. Selectable under Controls > Dynamics > Traction Control Mode. - **Map Package Update**: CN-2026.38-16231. - **Security Improvements**: Fixes vulnerabilities related to out-of-bounds access, integer underflow, CAN bus buffer overflow, and symlink race conditions.