Tesla adds 'Hey Grok'

Tesla is adding a hands-free “Hey Grok” wake word to its cars in its Spring 2026 software update, letting drivers start xAI’s in-car assistant by voice. (tesla.com) Tesla said Grok is available on Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles with an Advanced Micro Devices processor, software version 2025.26 or later, and either Premium Connectivity or Wi‑Fi. Tesla’s support page says Grok is still in beta. (tesla.com) The new wake word means drivers no longer need to tap the screen or hold the steering-wheel microphone button to open Grok. Tesla also says Grok can now handle navigation requests, though its support page says vehicle controls such as climate and media still use Tesla’s separate voice-command system. (tesla.com) Tesla first brought Grok into its vehicles in 2025, but the early version worked more like a chat app than a car assistant. The Spring 2026 update moves it closer to a built-in voice interface by adding the always-listening trigger phrase and location-based reminders such as alerts tied to home or other places. (electrek.co) The same update also adds a new Self-Driving app on vehicles with Tesla’s AI4, or Hardware 4, computer. Electrek and Mashable reported that the app includes a one-tap Full Self-Driving (Supervised) subscription priced at $99.99 a month and a dashboard showing miles driven and usage streaks. (electrek.co, mashable.com) That subscription push comes after Tesla shifted Full Self-Driving away from a one-time purchase and toward monthly billing. Mashable reported that Tesla’s official X account posted the Spring 2026 feature list on Monday, April 13, 2026, and said the rollout would begin “shortly.” (mashable.com) Other additions are smaller but aimed at daily use. Tesla is adding automatic overnight software installation, more Pet Mode customization with dog, cat, and hedgehog screen characters, and the option to add a pet’s name to the display. (electrek.co, notateslaapp.com) Tesla is also expanding safety and convenience features in the same release. Mashable reported new blind-spot lighting that turns accent lights red during lane changes, while Tesla’s support pages continue to describe software updates as over-the-air downloads that owners can install immediately or schedule for later. (mashable.com, tesla.com) The update does not turn Grok into a full voice replacement for the rest of the car. Tesla’s support page says Grok can answer questions and start navigation, but not control media or climate, leaving Tesla with a split voice system even after adding “Hey Grok.” (tesla.com) For Tesla owners, the immediate change is simple: say “Hey Grok,” and the car answers. The bigger shift is that Tesla is using a routine software update to tie together xAI’s assistant, a monthly self-driving product, and more of the everyday experience inside the vehicle. (tesla.com, electrek.co)