Tesla Will Expand Automation App to New Markets

The software, which allows for custom vehicle routines, will reach North American and European drivers this winter.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic circuit-board manifold and steel infrastructure, representing vehicle automation systems.
Tesla will launch its Automation app in North America and Europe by December 2026, enabling users to create custom vehicle routines. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tesla is preparing to launch its Automation app in North America and Europe by December 2026. The feature is expected to arrive as a component of the company's annual holiday software update.

Why it matters

The app provides Tesla owners with the ability to create customized routines for their vehicles similar to existing shortcuts on mobile platforms. By automating specific vehicle functions, drivers can streamline their daily experience when the car is stationary.

The Automation app was first introduced in China in January 2026 using software version 2025.45 32.1. It functions similarly to Apple Shortcuts and IFTTT, requiring an active vehicle screen to execute routines.

The players

Tesla

Tesla is a global automotive and clean energy company that designs and manufactures electric vehicles, battery energy storage, and solar products.

The details

Users construct routines by selecting specific triggers, actions, and conditions from a pre-defined menu within the app. The software is currently hidden under a feature flag in vehicle code, meaning automations are inhibited while Autopilot or Tesla Assisted Driving is engaged.

Timeline

  1. Tesla introduced the Automation app in China in January 2026.

  2. The app is expected to arrive in North American and European markets in December 2026.

Roadmap

By adopting a framework that mirrors Apple Shortcuts, Tesla is positioning its vehicle software to function as a mobile-integrated computing platform. This strategy signals a transition toward deep consumer customization that rivals the sophistication of traditional mobile ecosystems.

Drivers in North America and Europe should expect to see the Automation app appear following the installation of the Tesla Holiday Update. Once active, users can program custom routines, provided their vehicle is parked and not utilizing active driver assistance features.

The takeaway

Tesla owners can prepare to customize their vehicle environment by identifying repetitive tasks that could be handled by software routines. This update reflects a broader shift toward making personal vehicles as programmable and task-oriented as smartphones.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest software features in the Electric Vehicles section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.

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Would you use automated software routines to control vehicle settings or receive custom alerts?