Tesla has officially pushed a major update to its Robotaxi app, adding direct booking and ride controls for its upcoming Cybercab. The timing couldn’t be more telling, arriving just hours ahead of Tesla’s launch event for the purpose-built autonomous two-seater in Austin, where the electric vehicle is set to make its public debut.
The software drop also comes after Tesla officially started adding Cybercabs to its Robotaxi fleet in Texas earlier this week, further solidifying that a commercial launch is just around the corner. With Robotaxi app support for Cybercab rides already live, commercial rides inside steering wheel-less Cybercabs appear ready to kick off during or immediately following today’s launch presentation.
Tesla updated the Robotaxi app’s official App Store page to welcome the new vehicle, saying:
“Our Robotaxi vehicle lineup now includes Cybercab, our first purpose-built autonomous vehicle. Designed for safety, accessibility and comfort, Cybercab is bringing autonomy to everyone and every ride. Schedule your next ride today to experience the future of autonomy for yourself-only available in the Robotaxi app.”
Choosing Between Cybercab and Model Y
The refreshed ride ordering screen gives passengers a choice between vehicle types. Riders can toggle between a gold Cybercab, which seats up to two passengers, or a standard Model Y robotaxi that accommodates up to four people.
Service policies have also been adjusted to reflect the lack of human controls. Tesla updated its terms of service inside the app to outline age requirements for Cybercab rides:
“Minors under the age of 13 are not permitted in a Cybercab robotaxi vehicle (vs 8 for Model Y robotaxi).”
For now, we expect the option to book a Cybercab to remain exclusive to the Austin operational zone. While Tesla expanded Robotaxi geofences in both Austin and Dallas recently, fleet deployments will likely center around Tesla’s Texas headquarters before rolling out to other cities.
Color-Matched Cybercab Pickups and New In-Cabin Controls
Locating your ride on crowded streets is getting a clever visual overhaul with the Cybercab. When a booked vehicle arrives, the app switches to a dedicated “Enter” screen featuring directional arrows and distance tracking pointing you to your ride.
As we previously speculated when the Cybercab was spotted testing its RGB front light bar, the multi-color functionality is going to be a core part of the pickup experience. Your Cybercab’s front light bar glows a unique color, and the phone screen glows in the exact matching color to tell you which ride is yours. Quick-action buttons on the screen allow riders to honk the horn, flash the headlights, or pop open the doors and rear trunk directly from their device.
Once seated inside, the app transforms into a passenger command center. A live route card tracks progress, complementing the new vehicle icons Tesla recently added to the Robotaxi UI’s mini-map (which was likely meant to better differentiate between Cybercabs and Model Y robotaxis).
Riders can interact with the system hands-free by saying “Hey Grok” or tapping a dedicated button in the app to ask questions or control cabin functions. The lower panel lets passengers search streaming media apps like Spotify and Apple Music and adjust audio volume. It also looks like riders will be able to adjust the interior ambient accent lighting to set the cabin mood during their commute.
