Why do some Teslas receive updates before others and how to get priority?

You know that feeling? You’re scrolling through Tesla groups, you see excited owners sharing screenshots of the latest software update, and you… nothing. Your screen still shows “Your software is up to date” even though you know perfectly well a new version is circulating. Frustrating, right?

This timing difference is neither a coincidence nor an oversight by Tesla. It’s a perfectly orchestrated staged rollout system. I’m going to explain why some Teslas receive updates first, and especially how you can maximize your chances of being among the first to get them.

The staged rollout of Tesla updates: how does it really work?

A system designed for safety above all

Tesla never pushes an update to its entire fleet all at once. The manufacturer uses a multi-wave Tesla rollout: first 1 to 2% of vehicles, then 10%, then a progressive expansion until 100% of the affected fleet is reached.

The reason? Safety and stability above all. Imagine a critical bug simultaneously affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles: that would be catastrophic. By deploying progressively, Tesla can quickly identify and fix problems on a limited sample.

It’s a bit like smartphone updates, but with much higher stakes. We’re talking about a vehicle driving at 130 km/h on the highway, not just an app that crashes.

The three criteria that determine when you’ll receive your update

So, how does Tesla choose who receives what and when? Three main criteria come into play:

• The Early Access program: members of this beta program receive Tesla software versions first, sometimes 2 to 4 weeks before the general public. I’ll detail this point right after.
• Geographical zone: the United States is generally served first, followed by Canada, then Europe and Asia. This is logical given that Tesla’s headquarters are in California.
• Model and hardware version: depending on the features included in the update, some models may be prioritized. A Model 3 with HW3 will not necessarily receive it at the same time as a Model S with HW4.

And even with all these criteria, there’s still an element of “lottery.” Two identical Model 3s, in the same city, won’t necessarily receive the update at the same time. That’s just how it is.

The Early Access program: your gateway to priority updates

The Tesla Early Access program is your best ally if you want to receive updates in advance. It’s Tesla’s official beta tester system, accessible to all owners… in theory.

To apply, it’s simple: open your Tesla app, go to your profile, then to “Software,” and you’ll find the “Early Access” option. By activating this option, you apply to join the program.

Be aware, it’s not automatic. Tesla selects its beta testers based on non-public criteria, but we know that owners who are engaged and active in the community have a higher chance of being accepted.

The advantages? You receive priority updates, usually 2 to 4 weeks before everyone else. You discover new features first, and you can even explore your Tesla’s hidden features and shortcuts as soon as they are released.

The downsides? You agree to be a tester. Bugs, unstable features, minor malfunctions… that’s part of the game. If you need absolute daily reliability, it might not be for you.

Geographical and technical factors influencing deployment

Why the United States is often served first

If you’re in Europe, you’ve probably noticed this delay: American owners often announce receiving an update one to three weeks before us. It’s frustrating, but logical.

California, where Tesla’s headquarters are located, serves as a natural testing ground. Proximity facilitates data collection and quick fixes if necessary. Furthermore, American regulations allow for faster approvals than in Europe, where each update sometimes has to go through additional validations.

Finally, the volume of vehicles in the United States offers an ideal critical mass for quick testing on a large sample. But rest assured: the delay is rarely more than a few weeks.

The impact of your hardware and configuration

Not all Tesla vehicles are equal when it comes to updates. Your hardware plays a decisive role: a Tesla equipped with HW3 (Hardware 3) will not receive the same features as an HW4 version, especially concerning Autopilot and autonomous driving.

Your connectivity also matters. Some features require Premium Connectivity, not just standard connection. If you haven’t subscribed to this option, some features simply won’t be offered to you.

The specific model also influences the timing: an update concerning adaptive suspension will only affect Model S and X, for example. Recent vehicles are sometimes prioritized for new features utilizing more modern hardware.

My tips for maximizing your chances of receiving updates quickly

Now that you understand the system, here are my concrete tips to optimize your chances:

1. Apply for the Early Access program: as explained above, this is the most effective method for receiving priority updates.
2. Keep your Tesla connected to WiFi regularly: don’t rely solely on 4G. Updates are often pushed via WiFi first, especially large versions.
3. Install updates quickly: Tesla favors responsive users. If you delay an installation for weeks, the algorithm might consider you less prioritized for the next one.
4. Keep your software up to date: never skip a version. Staying on an old version by choice puts you at the bottom of the queue for future updates.
5. Be active in the Tesla community: forums, app, feedback… Tesla appreciates engaged owners.
6. Patience and realism: even by applying all these tips, the staged rollout remains staged. You won’t necessarily be the first.

You can manually check for an update by going to your screen, then “Software,” then “Check for updates.” But avoid doing it 10 times a day: it won’t change anything and you’ll just get frustrated!

To stay informed, follow Tesla communities on forums and Facebook groups. This way, you’ll know the status of the deployment and when your region starts to be served. Moreover, each update brings its share of new features that allow you to customize your on-screen experience in an increasingly advanced way.

Understanding the wait: why it’s normal (and even reassuring)

I know, the wait can be frustrating. But change your perspective: this staged rollout protects your Tesla. It’s a system that has already prevented many critical bugs from affecting the entire fleet.

The Tesla community plays a role as an ally here. When early adopters receive a version, they report bugs and problems. When the update finally reaches you, it’s generally more stable, with initial flaws corrected.

The wait is not an oversight. Your car is in line, and it will come. You also need to differentiate between major updates (like 2024.xx versions) and minor fixes (.1, .2, .3) which often arrive faster.

Put it in perspective: a few weeks’ wait for years of use is nothing. And in the meantime, your Tesla already works incredibly well with its current version. To follow the evolution of deployments and better understand the timeline, some resources detail the complete version history.

So there you have it, you now understand why your neighbor received the update before you. It’s a Tesla rollout system designed for safety, influenced by several geographical and technical criteria. If you really want to get priority, the Early Access program remains your best option.

Understanding this system helps you better cope with the wait. And you, how long do you usually wait for your updates? Have you already applied for the Early Access program? Feel free to share your experience in the comments, we’re all in the same boat!