Tesla is adding a fresh visual touch that you’ll see every time you open the door and step inside your vehicle. The latest software update brings dynamic entry animations straight to the cabin display inside the Model 3 and Model Y, giving Tesla’s high-volume models a premium wake-up sequence.
The new entry animations are rolling out as part of Tesla’s Summer 2026 feature drop. Tesla announced its latest feature release last week, and it started downloading on customer cars over the weekend as software update 2026.26. While drivers are already enjoying headline additions like a redesigned Caraoke app with live scoring and new Grok vehicle commands that let you make calls, play music, adjust climate, and change other vehicle settings, these startup graphics add extra flair to daily entry.
Matching Ambient Lights and Performance Modes
The updated entry animations are available specifically for 2024+ Model 3 vehicles and the redesigned (Juniper refresh) Model Y. They mirror the startup sequences previously seen on Launch Series variants, as well as the now-discontinued Model S and Model X.
Entering the vehicle wakes up the central touchscreen with the TESLA workmark displayed across it. The text glows in a dynamic color that automatically matches your selected interior ambient lighting theme. Check out the full animation in the video below.
As the vehicle wakes up, the color starts on the display before seamlessly transitioning into the ambient light strip running along the dashboard and the rest of the vehicle. The rear passenger screen also displays a matching color animation simultaneously.
https://t.co/E2peHM24M6 pic.twitter.com/l7bAS3A6LB
— Tesla (@Tesla) July 21, 2026
Performance trims get an even punchier startup sequence. Opening the door on a Performance model triggers a full Ludicrous speed warp-effect graphic across the display, blasting star lines before loading the main vehicle visualization screen.
You can turn these new entry animations off by going to Settings > Display on your vehicle’s touchscreen. You’ll find a Welcome Animation toggle under the Appearance section. Unfortunately, older Model 3 (pre-2024) and Model Y (pre-Juniper refresh) vehicles aren’t getting any new entry animations (at least for now).
Bringing Premium Touches to Mass Market Vehicles
These visual sequences were previously reserved for higher-end vehicles such as the Model S, Model X, and Launch Series models, but now they’re available on all new Teslas.
It’s a subtle software tweak, but tying into the ambient lighting strips not only makes the experience more coherent but also makes getting into your car feel more personalized.
