New features coming to your Tesla: Tesla Model Y and Model 3 to get new software update to boost safety and in-car tech to end 2025

Tesla owners will get a virtual bag of goodies to end the year.

The American electric car maker has announced its latest round of software updates for its vehicles this holiday period.

The updates will lob into Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in Australia via an over-the-air update next week.

Owners will now be able to access a Tesla app on their Apple Watch that can work as a smart key and allow them to view battery charge, turn on climate control and open the frunk (cargo area under the bonnet).

Owners can now watch clips from the in-built dashcam and Sentry Mode clips in the Tesla app on their smartphone and save them to edit or share.

New versions of the Model 3, which don’t have a steering column mounted gear selector, will now have access to an Auto Shift function.

This works when navigating in and out of car spots and multi-point turns by automatically switching between reverse and drive. Drivers will be asked to confirm the drive mode selection.

Drivers can now select the preferred charging level for when they arrive at their destination. This will affect the vehicle’s trip planner that provides stop and charging duration along the route.

Other upgrades to the inbuilt maps include search results that are now filtered to show options along your route and estimated detour times. Think a quick Maccas stop along the way and how long this will add to your trip.

It’ll also now show rain on the map and the intensity of that rainfall.

Teslas will now have rear cross traffic alert safety tech, too. It will sound an alarm if it detects a car coming from the side or rear as you reverse. This is in addition to the reversing auto braking function that is already standard.

There are a few extra apps and games included in the car’s multimedia system, among other minor updates