Tesla Introduces Adaptive Headlights in United States and Canada Through Software Upgrade
Tesla's latest software update, version 2025.14, introduces a host of new features, including advanced adaptive headlights for select models. This update, which began rolling out on April 14, 2025, brings a significant improvement to driver visibility and safety.
The adaptive headlights technology uses matrix LED headlights to dynamically adjust the light beam, selectively dimming specific pixels to ensure maximum visibility for the driver while reducing glare for oncoming traffic and cyclists. The system also employs external cameras to detect other road users, enabling precise control over the light beam.
The adaptive headlights feature is available for Tesla models equipped with the necessary matrix LED headlights. As of 2025, the main Tesla models featuring matrix LED headlights supporting adaptive headlights are the Model S Refresh, Model X 2023+, and Model 3 2024+.
The Model X (2023 and newer) received matrix headlights with adaptive features in May 2023. The Model 3 (2024 and newer) with the latest software update (2022.2) enables adaptive headlights, though Tesla refers to these as adaptive headlights instead of matrix headlights. This version appears to have a different matrix LED implementation with fewer individually controllable LEDs compared to prior matrix headlights.
The Model S (Refresh models since 2023) also have matrix LED headlights with adaptive capabilities, demonstrated by matrix LED features and lightshow projection abilities. The 2023 Model S uses a more complex matrix LED setup than the Model 3 Highland, supporting selective dimming and brightening based on road conditions and oncoming vehicles.
In Europe, these matrix LED headlights can include extra highway illumination features and can display graphics or text during Tesla Lightshows. They can also selectively brighten or dim LEDs to reduce glare for other drivers, follow road curves, and enhance visibility in dark or winding roads.
In addition to the adaptive headlights feature, the 2025 Spring Update includes a new "Avoid Highways" toggle for navigation improvements. It also increases camera angles for Sentry Mode and Dashcam, with B-pillar camera recordings now available for Model S, 3, X, and Y, providing six camera angles in total.
The rollout is happening in the United States and Canada, and the update is available for Model S (refreshed models, 2021-2025), Model 3 (new and legacy models), Model X (refreshed models, 2021-2025), and Model Y (new and legacy models) that have been manufactured since late 2022 and are equipped with the necessary matrix LED headlights.
The adaptive headlights feature toggle appears under Controls > Lights > Adaptive Headlights on the driver display if the vehicle supports it. However, the Cybertruck does not support the adaptive headlights feature due to hardware limitations.
This update marks a significant step forward in Tesla's commitment to safety and innovation, offering drivers a more comfortable and secure driving experience.
In the realm of technology, this latest Tesla software update introduces adaptive headlights for certain models, including the Model S Refresh, Model X 2023+, and Model 3 2024+, which utilize matrix LED headlights for enhanced visibility and reduced glare while driving.
Moreover, the finance sector may benefit from Tesla's continuous advancements in the automotive industry, as such innovations could potentially lead to increased vehicle safety ratings, contributing to higher resale values for Tesla owners.
