Tesla's Robotaxi Appears Nearly Prepared - Codenamed 'Alicorn' in Internal App Codes
Tesla's Robotaxi Service Launches in Austin, Texas
Tesla's much-anticipated Robotaxi service officially launched in Austin, Texas on June 22, 2025, marking a significant step towards autonomous ride-hailing. The service, internally known as "Alicorn," is currently in a controlled, gradual expansion phase, prioritizing safety and careful growth [1][3].
The initial launch was restricted to a select group of riders, but since then, the service has been extended to include more participants and operational zones within Austin. The company has secured the necessary rideshare permit from Texas authorities, authorizing autonomous rideshare operations under the state's regulations, effective September 1, 2025 [3].
The service began with a limited number of Model Y vehicles, each supervised by safety monitors. As Tesla continues to refine the system, it is expected that the role of these monitors will diminish, leading to a fully autonomous service.
The latest update to the Tesla iOS app (version 4.44.5) suggests that the Robotaxi service is nearing completion. The update includes features that allow users to enter destinations, adjust pickup points, track estimated times of arrival (ETAs) in real-time, and cancel rides with specific reasons.
Moreover, the update includes integration with GRDB.swift, a tool that could help Tesla apps work faster and better offline. The system also includes emergency help request options and references to drivers being involved during the early rollout, indicating a transition towards a fully autonomous service.
Two new Swift modules are present in the update, which seem tied to vehicle tracking and UI design. The code also points to new live activity features that could show updates for charging, navigation, or trips on your phone lock screen, enhancing the user experience.
While the service is currently limited to Austin, Tesla is preparing for a broader rollout. The company is reportedly working on a Smart Summon upgrade that lets users start their Tesla with a single tap, and the update may also enable Apple Watch integration and Live Activities support [2].
As Tesla continues to innovate in the autonomous vehicle space, the Robotaxi service in Austin serves as a promising testament to the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and transportation.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3]
The Robotaxi service, a testament to Tesla's advancements in technology, is pushing the boundaries of autonomous ride-hailing, as demonstrated by its launch in Austin, Texas. With the latest update to the Tesla iOS app, users can now enter destinations, track real-time ETAs, and even cancel rides, suggesting that the service is progressing towards full autonomy.
